2 Corinthians 8:7
But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
But just as you excel in everything
The phrase "excel in everything" suggests a standard of excellence that the Corinthian church is encouraged to maintain. The Greek word for "excel" is "περισσεύω" (perisseuō), which means to abound or overflow. This implies not just adequacy but abundance in their spiritual lives. Historically, Corinth was a wealthy city, and Paul is urging the believers to reflect their spiritual wealth in their actions, just as they do in other areas of their lives.

in faith
Faith, or "πίστις" (pistis) in Greek, is foundational to the Christian life. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). The Corinthians are commended for their faith, which is the bedrock of their relationship with God. In a city known for its diverse beliefs, maintaining strong faith was crucial for the early Christians.

in speech
The term "speech" here is translated from the Greek word "λόγος" (logos), which can mean word, message, or discourse. This suggests that the Corinthians were articulate in their expression of the Gospel. In a culture that valued rhetoric and eloquence, their ability to communicate effectively was a significant asset to their witness.

in knowledge
Knowledge, or "γνῶσις" (gnōsis), refers to understanding and insight, particularly in spiritual matters. The Corinthians were known for their intellectual pursuits, and Paul acknowledges their grasp of Christian doctrine. However, he also reminds them that knowledge must be coupled with love (1 Corinthians 8:1).

in complete earnestness
"Complete earnestness" is derived from the Greek word "σπουδή" (spoudē), meaning diligence or zeal. This reflects the Corinthians' sincere and passionate commitment to their faith. In the context of their spiritual journey, it underscores the importance of being fervent and proactive in their Christian walk.

and in the love we inspired in you
The phrase "the love we inspired in you" highlights the transformative power of Christian love, or "ἀγάπη" (agapē). This love is selfless and sacrificial, modeled after Christ's love for humanity. Paul and his companions had demonstrated this love, and it had taken root in the hearts of the Corinthians, shaping their community and interactions.

see that you also excel in this grace of giving
Finally, Paul encourages them to "excel in this grace of giving." The word "grace" here is "χάρις" (charis), which can mean favor, kindness, or gift. Giving is seen as an extension of God's grace, a tangible expression of their faith and love. In the historical context, Paul was organizing a collection for the impoverished church in Jerusalem, and he wanted the Corinthians to participate generously, reflecting their spiritual maturity and unity with the broader body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth to encourage them in their spiritual growth and generosity.

2. The Church in Corinth
A diverse and dynamic early Christian community known for its spiritual gifts but also for its challenges, including divisions and moral issues.

3. The Macedonian Churches
Mentioned earlier in the chapter as an example of generosity despite their poverty, serving as a model for the Corinthians.

4. Titus
A fellow worker with Paul, who is involved in the collection for the Jerusalem church and is mentioned in the surrounding context.

5. The Jerusalem Church
The recipient of the collection, experiencing poverty and hardship, which Paul is organizing support for from the Gentile churches.
Teaching Points
Excellence in Spiritual Growth
Just as the Corinthians are encouraged to excel in faith, speech, knowledge, and love, we too should strive for excellence in all areas of our spiritual lives.

The Grace of Giving
Giving is described as a grace, indicating it is both a gift from God and a response to His grace. We should view our ability to give as a divine privilege.

Holistic Christian Living
Excelling in giving is part of a holistic approach to Christian living, where all aspects of our lives reflect our faith and commitment to Christ.

Generosity as a Witness
Our generosity can serve as a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the love and provision of God in tangible ways.

Encouragement from Examples
Just as Paul uses the Macedonian churches as an example, we can be inspired by the generosity of others and seek to emulate their faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does excelling in the grace of giving reflect our overall spiritual maturity and growth in Christ?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart of generosity in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to excel in this area?

3. How do the examples of the Macedonian churches and the Philippians challenge or inspire you in your own approach to giving?

4. What are some barriers that might prevent us from excelling in the grace of giving, and how can we overcome them with God's help?

5. How can our generosity serve as a testimony to others about the love and provision of God, and how can we be intentional about this witness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 12:31
Paul encourages the Corinthians to desire the greater gifts, which connects to excelling in spiritual matters, including giving.

Romans 12:6-8
Discusses the different gifts given to believers, including the gift of giving, which should be done generously.

Philippians 4:15-19
Paul commends the Philippians for their generosity, showing the blessing and provision that comes from giving.

Acts 20:35
Paul quotes Jesus, saying it is more blessed to give than to receive, reinforcing the principle of generous giving.
A Pattern of CharityE. Hurndall 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Christian LiberalityA. D. Smith, D. D.2 Corinthians 8:7-8
Love to Christ ProvedThe Evangelist2 Corinthians 8:7-8
The Grace of LiberalityT. Moir, M. A.2 Corinthians 8:7-8
The Test of LoveCongregational Pulpit2 Corinthians 8:7-8
Appeal to the CorinthiansC. Lipscomb 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
People
Corinthians, Paul, Titus
Places
Achaia, Corinth, Macedonia
Topics
Abound, Already, Complete, Diligence, Earnestness, Excel, Faith, Flourishes, Full, Giving, Grace, Gracious, Implanted, Inspired, Liberal, Love, Mind, Readiness, Ready, Rich, Speech, Unwearied, Utterance, Yes, Zeal
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Corinthians 8:7

     5840   eagerness
     8026   faith, growth in

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

     6710   privileges

2 Corinthians 8:6-7

     6671   grace, and Christian life

2 Corinthians 8:7-8

     8239   earnestness

2 Corinthians 8:7-9

     8262   generosity, human

2 Corinthians 8:7-11

     8252   faithfulness, relationships

Library
Willing and not Doing
'Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will so there may be a performance also.'--2 COR. viii. 11. The Revised Version reads: 'But now complete the doing also; that as there was the readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.' A collection of money for the almost pauper church at Jerusalem bulked very largely in the Apostle's mind at the date of the writing of the two letters to the Corinthian church. We learn that that church had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Rich yet Poor
'For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.'--2 COR. viii. 9. The Apostle has been speaking about a matter which, to us, seems very small, but to him was very great viz., a gathering of pecuniary help from the Gentile churches for the poor church in Jerusalem. Large issues, in his estimation, attended that exhibition of Christian unity, and, be it great or small, he applies the highest of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Giving and Asking
'Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2. How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4. Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5. And this they did, not as we hoped,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Condescension of Christ
And now, dear friends, the argument of the apostle shall be our subject to-day. It divides itself in an extremely simple manner. We have first, the pristine condition of our Saviour--"He was rich." We have next, his condescension--"He became poor." And then we have the effect and result of his poverty--"That we might be made rich." We shall then close by giving you a doctrine, a question, and an exhortation. May God bless all these, and help us to tell them aright. I. First, then, our text tells
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The Faithful Steward
Systematic beneficence is capable of a twofold division. There is a general or universal system, binding indiscriminately and equally on all of every rank and condition; and a particular system adapted alone to the circumstances of each individual. The latter stands related to the former, as the edifice to the foundation on which it rests. This distinction must be kept clearly before mind, if we would have definite views of our obligations relative to this important subject. In the ensuing discussion,
Sereno D. Clark—The Faithful Steward

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
Let us now consider the matters which should be treated in the councils, and with which popes, cardinals, bishops, and all learned men should occupy themselves day and night, if they loved Christ and His Church. But if they do not do so, the people at large and the temporal powers must do so, without considering the thunders of their excommunications. For an unjust excommunication is better than ten just absolutions, and an unjust absolution is worse than ten just excommunications. Therefore let
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Indeed in all Spiritual Delights, which Unmarried Women Enjoy...
27. Indeed in all spiritual delights, which unmarried women enjoy, their holy conversation ought also to be with caution; lest haply, though their life be not evil through haughtiness, their report be evil through negligence. Nor are they to be listened to, whether they be holy men or women, when (upon occasion of their neglect in some matter being blamed, through which it comes to pass that they fall into evil suspicion, from which they know that their life is far removed) they say that it is enough
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Epistle xxxi. To Theodorus, Physician.
To Theodorus, Physician. Gregory to Theodorus, Physician to the Emperor. I myself give thanks to Almighty God, that distance does not separate the hearts of those who truly love each other mutually. For lo, most sweet and glorious son, we are far apart in body, and yet are present with each other in charity. This your works, this your letters testify, this I experienced in you when present, this I recognize in your Glory when absent. May this make you both beloved of men and worthy for ever before
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Therefore Let the Rest of the Faithful, who have Lost virginity...
28. Therefore let the rest of the faithful, who have lost virginity, follow the Lamb, not whithersoever He shall have gone, but so far as ever they shall have been able. But they are able every where, save when He walks in the grace of virginity. "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" [2081] imitate Him, Who, whereas "He was rich, was made poor for your sakes." [2082] "Blessed are the meek;" imitate Him, Who said, "Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart." [2083] "Blessed are they that mourn;" imitate
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Epistle xxviii. To Theodore, Physician.
To Theodore, Physician. Gregory to Theodore, Physician at Constantinople. My most beloved son the deacon Sabinianus [1709] , on his return to me, brought me no letter from your Glory; but he conveyed hither what had been sent for the poor and captives; whence I understood the reason. It was that you would not speak by letters to a man, having by a good deed made your address to Almighty God. For this same deed of yours has a voice of its own, which calls to the secret ears of God, as it is written,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Church of Christ. "It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is ruth."--1 John v. 6. We now proceed to discuss the work of the Holy Spirit wrought in the Church of Christ. Altho the Son of God has had a Church in the earth from the beginning, yet the Scripture distinguishes between its manifestation before and after Christ. As the acorn, planted in the ground, exists, altho it passes through the two periods of germinating and rooting, and of growing upward and forming trunk and
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's Answer, Briefly Considered.
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with, thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?--He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good: And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" As mankind are
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

On Account Then of These Either Occupations of the Servants of God...
17. On account then of these either occupations of the servants of God, or bodily infirmities, which cannot be altogether wanting, not only doth the Apostle permit the needs of saints to be supplied by good believers, but also most wholesomely exhorteth. For, setting apart that power, which he saith himself had not used, which yet that the faithful must serve unto, he enjoins, saying, "Let him that is catechised in the word, communicate unto him that doth catechise him, in all good things:" [2531]
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

The Duty of Self-Denial.
"Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child."--Psalm cxxxi. 2. Self-denial of some kind or other is involved, as is evident, in the very notion of renewal and holy obedience. To change our hearts is to learn to love things which we do not naturally love--to unlearn the love of this world; but this involves, of course, a thwarting of our natural wishes and tastes. To be righteous and obedient implies self-command; but to
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it Produces in Men's Affections, Resolutions, Labors, Enjoyments and Hopes.
2 Cor. v. 17. 2 Cor. v. 17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. AMONG the various subjects, which exercise the thoughts and tongues of men, few are more talked of than Religion. But it is melancholy to think how little it is understood; and how much it is mistaken and misrepresented in the world. The text before us gives us a very instructive view of it: such a view, that I am sure, an experimental knowledge of its sense would
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered?
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
"To Him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend; His Kingdom still increasing, A Kingdom without end." We have seen that our Lord described in His Parables the general character and nature of "The Kingdom of Heaven." Consequently, if the Church established by the Apostles under the guidance of the Holy Ghost is "The Kingdom of Heaven," it will necessarily be found to agree with the description thus given. Let us therefore now consider how far the history of the Church, in the Acts of the Apostles
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

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