This phrase or one similar to it is found three times in 2 Corinthians 8:6, 7 & 19.
The American Standard Version translates it “This grace.”
The English Standard Version translates it “Act of grace.”
The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament translates it “This grace.”
The King James Version translates it “This same grace.”
The New American Standard Version translates it “This gracious work.”
The New International Version translates it “Act of grace.”
The New King James Version translates it “This grace.”
The general idea regarding this phrase is that Paul wants to stir up a mutual zeal in all believers for greater Christian liberality. He wants to encourage generosity and openhandedness. He wants to motivate pure and wholehearted goodness. He wants to promote earnest desires that are unselfish. He wants to stress that an “Act of Grace” is done so others can recognize how God’s grace has changed our lives.
Isn’t this exactly what Jesus stated in His Sermon on the Mount?
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, Let you light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Isn’t this exactly what Paul teaches in his message about “Grace”?
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10
Isn’t this exactly what James teaches in his message about “Faith”?
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? James 2:14
“Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
James 2:18
2 Corinthians 8 teaches us the abundance of joyeven when experiencing extreme poverty.
It’s a lesson showing that believers overflowed in a wealth of generosity because they gave.
It’s a lesson for all believers to consciously desire to excel in their faithful Acts of grace.
It’s a lesson that doesn’t command, but calls out to us to love God and lovingly love others.
It’s a lesson for us to be ready to do every good work in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior!
About the author:
Don and his wife Brenda have been married 48 years. They have two married sons Jason/Crista and Nicholas/Heather and four grandsons Luke, Ryker, Blake and Drew. Don is a graduate of the Gateway School of Preaching, Fairview Heights, IL, the Bristol Roads School of Biblical Studies, Flint, MI and he has a bachelor’s degree in religious education from Michigan Christian College. He has been preaching since 1979. He has preached at Pacific, MO; Howell, MI; Arnold, MO; Festus, MO; Dexter, MO; and De Soto, MO where he has served since 2007. He also serves the congregation as one of the elders. Don has done campaigns and meetings in several states and mission work in Cuba, India, and Jamaica. Don refers to himself as a “Minister” because he loves ministering to others and helping them learn about Jesus and growing in their relationship with Him.
De Soto church of Christ 