Overview of the Verse

This verse highlights the encouragement of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church, emphasizing the importance of growing not only in spiritual gifts and knowledge but also in the grace of giving. Paul’s message reflects the holistic development of a Christian's character and faith.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry explains that the apostle Paul encourages believers to grow in grace just as they have grown in other spiritual gifts. The fullness of Christian character is shown not only in personal piety but also in generosity towards others. He emphasizes that one should not be content with partial growth in faith but should strive to excel in all forms of grace.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes draws attention to each aspect of abounding in faith, diligence, and love. He points out that the Corinthians excelled in various ways and that their generosity was part of their Christian identity. He sees the "grace" mentioned as not just financial giving, but a broader disposition of generosity and kindness that reflects the character of Christ.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke interprets "this grace" as the grace of giving, aligning it with the entire context of the passage focused on collections for the poor saints in Jerusalem. He notes that giving is a significant reflection of Christian love and maturity. Clarke stresses that the believers should mirror the grace they have received from God in their giving.

Application of the Text

The application of 2 Corinthians 8:7 can be profound for individuals and communities today. Christians are called to reflect on their spiritual growth - asking themselves how they can expand beyond personal faith and knowledge and into actively participating in the support and upliftment of others.

• Practical Giving: This verse calls believers to assess how they are supporting others, whether through time, resources, or encouragement.
• Spiritual Growth: It emphasizes the importance of holistic development in one’s faith - every aspect of a believer’s life should reflect their commitment to Christ.
• Community Engagement: It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the church—encouraging a collective effort in supporting one another, especially those in need.

Cross References

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: Discusses the principles of giving cheerfully and generously.
• 2 Corinthians 8:1-6: Describes the example of the Macedonians whose generosity exceeded their means.
• Philippians 4:15-19: Paul explains the partnership of giving and receiving in the ministry.
• Luke 6:38: Jesus teaches that giving results in receiving, emphasizing the principle of generosity.
• Matthew 25:35-40: Jesus highlights the importance of serving those in need as serving Him directly.

Conclusion

2 Corinthians 8:7 serves as a vital reminder of the necessity to grow in grace alongside other spiritual gifts. This verse encourages readers to understand the importance of their contributions toward the community and to embody the grace received through Christ in their acts of kindness and charity. Studying this verse helps with understanding the broader context of Christian giving and the implications it has for personal and communal faith growth.