We have had a series of articles meditating on the use of “grace” (charis in Greek) in the NT. The word is found 155 times; we have looked at its use in the gospels, Acts, and Romans. The word is found a total of 28 times in 1 & 2 Corinthians. Grab your Bible and let’s take notes.
As he often does, Paul’s greetings (1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2) and farewell (16:23; 2 Cor. 13:14) include “grace.” Paul is thankful for the “grace” shown the Corinthians in Christ (1:4). Grace had been given to Paul to preach the gospel of Christ (3:10). He allows us to share in teaching others!
Paul states that he eats with “thankfulness” (charis, 10:29). He uses the word three times in 15:10. Paul was so thankful for the grace shown him through his salvation that he worked his fingers to the bone to see that others could know and enjoy that same grace. The “grace” of God with him refers to the empowerment to fulfill that task (see also 2 Cor. 1:12).
In 1 Corinthians 16:3, “grace” refers to the Christians’ contribution, translated “gift” in the NASV. This shows us that our giving is a gift of grace. We don’t deserve what God gives us; it is “grace.” Nor do people necessarily deserve what we give them; it is “grace.” In fact, in the two passages in 2 Corinthians which discuss our contribution (chapters 8 & 9), the word “grace” is used 10 times!
God’s grace had been made known to the churches in Macedonia (8:1) which motivated them to beg Paul for the “favor” (“grace”; 8:4) of participating in the collection for the saints! Paul sent Titus to collect their contribution, this “gracious” work (8:6, 19) in which he hoped they would abound (8:7). The motivation for such gracious giving is the grace of Jesus Christ reflected in His self-giving (8:9). The earnestness to help was also in the heart of Titus, for which Paul gave “thanks” (“grace,” 8:16).
Regardless how much we give, God is able to make “grace” abound to us (9:8). Notice in 9:13 that our obedience to the confession of the gospel is tied to the surpassing grace of God in us (9:14). “Thanks” (“grace”) be to God for His indescribable gift (9:15)!
When Paul would visit the Christians, they would receive a “blessing” (“grace”; 2 Cor. 1:15). God leads us in triumph in Christ so that Paul gives “thanks” (“grace”) to Him (2 Cor. 2:14). In fact, when more and more people come to understand the grace of God, they will give thanks (4:15). It is possible to receive the grace of God in vain (6:1) – that is, if we do not stay faithful to Christ and His word.
When Paul asked for his thorn to be removed, Jesus responded that His grace was sufficient to lift Paul above such inconveniences (12:9).
Paul Holland
