2 Corinthians 8:7

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

But just as you excel in everything [else]; in your faith, in your speaking; in your knowledge [Note: Possibly these refer to spiritual gifts. See I Cor. 12:8-10], in your eagerness [to serve], and in your love for us, now you people should also excel in this favorable work [i.e., of giving financial help to needy people].

Cross References

Matthew 25:22

And the one who was given two talents came and reported, ‘Master, you entrusted me with two talents. Look, I have earned two more with them.’

Romans 15:14

And I, myself, am convinced about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, and have been filled with all kinds of knowledge and are capable of counseling one another.

1 Corinthians 1:5

For in [fellowship with] Him you people have been made [spiritually] rich in every way, through all [kinds of] speech and knowledge [Note: This probably refers to the communication and comprehension of truth represented by the spiritual gifts of languages and revelation].

1 Corinthians 12:13

For we were all immersed by means of the one Holy Spirit into one body [i.e., the church], whether [we were] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], whether slaves or free people, and were all given the one [and the same] Holy Spirit to drink. [Note: This probably refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, given to all immersed believers. See John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38].

1 Corinthians 12:8

For one person is given the [supernatural] message of wisdom through the Holy Spirit; another person is given the [supernatural] message of knowledge by means of the same Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 13:2

And if I have the [spiritual] gift of prophecy, and can understand all [of God’s] secret purposes, and have all knowledge; and if I have all [the supernatural] faith necessary to relocate mountains [See Matt. 17:20], but do not have love [for people], I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:8

Love will never cease. But though there are [now supernatural gifts of] prophecies, [someday] they will be abolished [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there are [now supernatural gifts of] languages, [someday] they will stop [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there is [now the supernatural gift of] knowledge, [someday] it will be abolished [i.e., this gift will cease to be exercised]

1 Corinthians 14:12

So, you people also, since you are eager for [supernatural] spiritual gifts, should look for ways to excel in building up the church.

1 Corinthians 4:7

For who makes you different [from each other]? [i.e., with some being viewed as superior and others inferior] And what do you have that you did not receive [from God]? But if you received it [from Him], then why do you boast as though you did not [receive it as a gift]?

2 Corinthians 7:7

[We were comforted] not only by his presence, but also [by learning] that you comforted him. He [also] told us of your longing and grieving and concern for me, so that made me all the happier.

2 Corinthians 8:6

So, [i.e., because of your enthusiastic response to this need. See verse 10], we urged Titus, who had previously begun [taking up this collection], to help you also complete this favorable work [i.e., by finalizing it].

2 Corinthians 9:14

And when they see the outstanding [evidence of] God’s favor in you, they will pray for you with deep affection [or, “will long to see you”].

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to provide you with abundant gifts, so that you will always have plenty of everything, and that you will also have plenty for doing every good deed.

Ephesians 4:29

Do not allow unwholesome [Note: The Greek word for “unwholesome” is “rotten, diseased”] language to come from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up those who need it, so that you can impart favor [i.e., benefit] to those who listen [to you].

Philippians 1:11

having been full of qualities of righteousness, which come from Jesus Christ and produce honor and praise to God.

Philippians 1:9

And I pray that your love may grow stronger and stronger, [along] with how much you know, and [that you may grow] in your ability to comprehend things.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We ought to thank God for you always, brothers, since it is proper, because your faith is growing so much and the love that every one of you has for each other is increasing more and more.

2 Timothy 2:1

So, may you, my son, be strengthened through the unearned favor that comes from [your fellowship with] Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:28

Therefore, we should be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken [i.e., the church. See Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:6, 9]. So, with reverence and awe, we should serve God in a way that pleases Him,

1 Peter 1:22

[Since] you have purified your souls by [your] obedience to the truth [i.e., the Gospel message], which produces a genuine love for your brothers, [now] you should have this kind of fervent, heartfelt love for one another.

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the unearned favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May He be honored both now and forever. May it be so.

Revelation 3:17

For you are saying, ‘I am wealthy; I have made plenty of money and do not need anything.’ But you do not know that you are [spiritually] wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.