Meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:7

Paul, in this passage from his second letter to the Corinthians, is encouraging the believers in Corinth to generously participate in a collection for the suffering saints in Jerusalem. He begins by affirming their existing spiritual maturity and abundance in various areas: faith, eloquence (speech), understanding (knowledge), enthusiasm (earnestness), and love. Having established their capacity and spiritual gifting, he then exhorts them to "excel" in the "grace of giving" as well. This is not presented as an obligation or a burden, but as another sphere where their spiritual excellence can be demonstrated, a practice that is inherently gracious and divinely empowered, rather than merely a human effort. The implication is that their existing spiritual riches should naturally flow into tangible acts of generosity, mirroring the abundant grace they have received from God.

Context and Background

The letter of 2 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, likely around 55-57 AD. This particular section, chapters 8 and 9, deals extensively with the matter of a special collection Paul was organizing to aid the impoverished Christian community in Jerusalem. The Corinthian church had previously pledged to participate, and Paul was following up, urging them to fulfill their commitment with enthusiasm and generosity. He had already sent Titus to them to help facilitate this endeavor, and Titus’s positive report of their willingness and eagerness likely prompted Paul to write this encouraging and instructive passage.

Key Themes and Messages

• Spiritual Excellence in Giving: The central message is that true spiritual maturity and abundance should manifest in a corresponding excellence in generosity. It's not enough to be rich in faith, knowledge, or love; these spiritual gifts should translate into tangible acts of charity.
• Giving as a Grace: Paul emphasizes that giving is a "grace," meaning it is a gift from God, empowered by Him, and should be offered with a spirit of generosity and willingness, not out of compulsion or grudging obligation.
• Motivation for Giving: The verse implies that their existing spiritual blessings (faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, love) are the very resources that should fuel their giving. Their abundance in these areas is a testament to God's work in them, and giving is a way to express gratitude and further God's kingdom.
• "Excelling" in Giving: The word "excel" (perisseuēte) suggests going beyond mere compliance, striving for abundance and superiority in this act of generosity, just as they excel in other spiritual gifts.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has profound spiritual significance for believers today. It challenges the notion that spiritual growth is purely internal or individual. Instead, it highlights the outward expression of faith through generosity. It encourages believers to view giving not as a financial transaction but as a spiritual discipline, a demonstration of God's grace at work in their lives. The application is direct: if believers recognize their abundance in faith, knowledge, love, and other spiritual gifts, they are called to demonstrate that same abundance in their financial and material generosity towards others, particularly within the body of Christ and for the furtherance of the gospel. It calls for intentionality and a desire to outdo oneself in acts of kindness and support.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The theme of generous giving is woven throughout the biblical narrative, from the Old Testament tithes and offerings that supported the temple and the needy, to the New Testament emphasis on sharing resources and caring for the poor. Jesus Himself taught extensively about generosity and the dangers of materialism. The early church in Acts provides a model of radical sharing. In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul is not introducing a new concept but is encouraging the Corinthians to participate in a long-standing biblical principle of caring for the needs of fellow believers and supporting the mission of God. This act of giving also foreshadows the ultimate generosity of God through Christ's sacrifice for humanity.

Analogies

• A Wellspring: Imagine a spring that overflows with pure, life-giving water. If the spring is abundant, its water will naturally spill over its banks, nourishing the surrounding land. Similarly, spiritual abundance within a believer should naturally flow out in acts of generosity, enriching the lives of others.
• A Fruitful Tree: A healthy, fruitful tree produces abundant fruit. This fruit is not meant to be hoarded but shared. The excellence of the tree is demonstrated not just by its strong roots or lush leaves, but by the generous harvest it provides. Believers, likewise, are called to bear the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes generosity.
• A Talented Musician: A musician who excels in their craft—perfecting their technique, understanding harmony, and possessing a deep passion for music—should naturally express this excellence through beautiful and moving performances. Similarly, those who excel in faith and knowledge should express this through excellent and abundant giving.

Relation to Other Verses

• 2 Corinthians 9:10-11: "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." This passage directly follows the one in question and reinforces the idea that God provides resources for the purpose of generous giving, leading to thanksgiving.
• Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." Jesus' teaching here echoes the principle of abundant return for generous giving, highlighting God's bountiful response to those who are generous.
• Acts 4:32-35: This passage describes the early Jerusalem church sharing all their possessions, demonstrating radical generosity and unity. It serves as a historical example of the principle Paul is advocating for.
• 1 Timothy 6:17-19: Paul instructs Timothy to tell the rich in his day not to be proud or to trust in wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for our enjoyment. He then exhorts them to "do good, to be rich in good works and ready to be generous, willing to share." This connects wealth and generosity as a proper stewardship of God's provisions.