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2 Corinthians 8

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

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.

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

What does 2 Corinthians 8:7 mean?

Explanation

The verse from 2 Corinthians 8:7 is a part of Apostle Paul's exhortation to the church in Corinth regarding generosity and giving.

Paul is commending the Corinthians for excelling in various virtues such as faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love.

He then encourages them to also excel in the "grace" of giving.

The term "grace" here is understood as a generous, charitable act, reflecting the Christian understanding of God's unconditional love and generosity. He urges the believers not just to maintain but to excel in this aspect of Christian life, just as they do in other areas.

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is a letter written by Paul to the church at Corinth around A.D. 55-57, a period when the early Christian churches were expanding and developing their doctrines and practices.

The particular focus of Chapter 8 is on a collection that Paul is organizing for the impoverished Christian community in Jerusalem.

The Corinthians had previously shown enthusiasm for this charitable work, and Paul is reminding and encouraging them to fulfill their initial pledge.

Theological Insights

Different Christian traditions may offer varying theological insights on this verse.

Some may emphasize the concept of stewardship, where wealth is a gift from God and believers are to use it responsibly.

Others see the verse as reinforcing the principles of sacrificial giving that reflect Jesus Christ's own self-sacrifice.

Theological interpretations may also explore the idea that Christian giving is a response to God's grace rather than a means to earn it.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life as a reminder of the importance of generosity.

Believers are encouraged to not only develop internal virtues but also to demonstrate their faith through practical acts of charity.

This can extend beyond financial assistance to include volunteer work, hospitality, and other forms of support to one's community.

Cross-References

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom..." (Luke 6:38)
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

"abound" (περισσεύω, perisseuō): to exceed, to have more than enough, to be overflowing.
"grace" (χάρις, charis): often refers to the unmerited favor of God, but can also mean gracefulness or gratitude; here, it is used in the sense of a generous, charitable act.
"diligence" (σπουδή, spoudē): haste, earnestness, or zeal, indicating a devoted effort to accomplish a task.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient religions and cultures had various practices related to charity and generosity.

For instance, the Jewish tradition has the concept of "tzedakah," which is a religious obligation to do what is right and just, including giving to the poor.

Comparatively, Ancient Greek and Roman societies also endorsed philanthropy, but often with different motivations, such as civic duty or achieving personal honor.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological studies on generosity suggest that giving can lead to heightened well-being for the giver, reinforcing moral behavior patterns. This intersects with the biblical teaching of generosity, suggesting that acts of giving can have both spiritual and psychological benefits.

Commentaries

Experts in biblical scholarship offer diverse views on 2 Corinthians 8:7.

Some commentaries highlight the balance between inward qualities (faith, knowledge) and outward actions (giving). Others note that Paul's encouragement reflects his pastoral concern for the spiritual growth of his congregations, as well as the practical needs of the Jerusalem church.

Commentators often underscore that Paul presents giving as a privilege and a voluntary act of worship, not as a burdensome obligation.

2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8

What does 2 Corinthians 8:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 2 Corinthians 8:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?