The lone New Testament occurrence of ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι (future passive of a verb meaning “to spend out completely”) portrays the total outpouring of personal resources—time, strength, reputation, even life itself—for the spiritual benefit of others. It is the language of costly self-expenditure, not mere generosity but exhaustive devotion.

Biblical Context: 2 Corinthians 12:15

Amid accusations that he profited from the Corinthians, Paul writes, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, will you love me less?” (2 Corinthians 12:15). The surrounding verses underline his refusal to accept support (12:13-14) so that no one might confuse gospel grace with financial manipulation. The verb underscores his pledge to pour himself out regardless of the congregation’s response.

Sacrificial Ministry and Parental Love

Paul frames his resolve in parental terms: “For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children” (2 Corinthians 12:14). A father does not ration love according to appreciation received; he expends everything for the growth of his children. The verb thus depicts a shepherd’s heart: ministry that empties itself for others’ souls.

Financial Integrity and Apostolic Authenticity

In the patron-client culture of Corinth, religious teachers often sought honor and remuneration. Paul’s readiness to be “spent” repudiates such expectations and authenticates his apostleship. By refusing to enrich himself, he exhibits the cross-shaped pattern that marks true gospel ministry (compare 2 Corinthians 4:5; 11:7-11).

Echoes Across Scripture

While ἐκδαπανάω appears only once, its theme reverberates:
• Mark 10:45—“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8—“We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well.”
• 2 Timothy 4:6—“I am already being poured out like a drink offering.”
• Philippians 2:17; Romans 12:1; 2 Samuel 24:24.

Each passage amplifies the call to lavish one’s life for God and others, echoing Paul’s “spend and be spent.”

Historical and Cultural Background

In first-century cities, traveling rhetoricians expected fees; patrons advanced funds to secure cultural capital. Paul deliberately subverts that economy. By supporting himself through tentmaking (Acts 18:3) and by using ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι, he redefines honor: true honor is found in self-emptying service patterned after Christ.

Christological Fulfillment

Paul’s vow mirrors the greater self-expenditure of Jesus Christ, “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). The apostle’s spending is derivative; the Savior’s atoning sacrifice is foundational. In union with Christ, believers are enabled to exhaust themselves in love without fear of ultimate loss.

Application for Contemporary Ministry

1. Motivation: Love for souls outweighs personal cost.
2. Stewardship: Resources—material, emotional, physical—are held loosely for kingdom purposes.
3. Accountability: Transparent handling of money safeguards gospel credibility.
4. Endurance: Willingness to be “spent” prepares workers to face ingratitude or misunderstanding without bitterness.
5. Joy: Paul is “most gladly” ready to expend himself; sacrificial service, when Spirit-empowered, is marked by joy, not grim duty.

Pastoral Reflection

A church thrives when leaders embody the ἐκδαπανάω ethic, and congregations reciprocate in love (2 Corinthians 12:15b). Such mutual devotion magnifies the self-giving heart of God and advances the gospel with integrity and power.