What number verse is 2 Corinthians 8:6 in the Bible?

2 Corinthians 8:6 is the 28,939th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Corinthians 8:6 sits at position 28,939.

Translation

King James Version

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

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KJV (with Strong's)

Insomuch ^G1519 that we ^G2248 desired ^G3870 Titus ^G5103, that ^G2443 as ^G2531 he had begun ^G4278, so ^G3779 he would ^G2005 also ^G2532 finish ^G2005 in ^G1519 you ^G5209 the same ^G5026 grace ^G5485 also ^G2532.

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Complete Jewish Bible

All this has led us to urge Titus to bring this same gracious gift to completion among you, since he has already made a beginning of it.

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Berean Standard Bible

So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.

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American Standard Version

Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

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World English Bible Messianic

So we urged Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

That we should exhort Titus, that as hee had begon, so he would also accomplish the same grace among you also.

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Young's Literal Translation

so that we exhorted Titus, that, according as he did begin before, so also he may finish to you also this favour,

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Corinthians 8:6 captures Paul's earnest desire for Titus to complete the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem among the Corinthian believers. Having initiated this act of Christian charity, Titus is now urged to ensure that the Corinthians' initial eagerness and commitment to this "grace" of giving are brought to a faithful and full conclusion, mirroring the sacrificial generosity exemplified by the Macedonian churches.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within Paul's extended appeal to the Corinthian church concerning the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, which spans 2 Corinthians 8 and 2 Corinthians 9. Immediately preceding 2 Corinthians 8:6, Paul extols the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own severe poverty, gave beyond their means as a manifestation of "the grace of God" upon them (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). The Corinthians had previously expressed their willingness to participate, and Titus had been instrumental in initiating this "grace" among them. Paul's appeal here is not a demand but an exhortation, leveraging the positive example of the Macedonians and the established trust in Titus to motivate the Corinthians to complete what they had enthusiastically begun. The subsequent verses in 2 Corinthians 8 continue to elaborate on the principles of giving, linking it to Christ's own self-impoverishment (2 Corinthians 8:9) and the importance of equality and willingness.
Historical & Cultural Context: The collection for the Jerusalem saints was a significant undertaking for Paul, symbolizing the unity between Gentile and Jewish believers and providing practical relief to the impoverished Christian community in Jerusalem, which faced severe economic hardship, possibly exacerbated by famine or persecution (Romans 15:26). Corinth, a wealthy port city with diverse populations, presented a stark contrast to the poverty of Jerusalem and even Macedonia. Paul's challenge to the Corinthians was not just about financial aid but about demonstrating tangible love and solidarity across cultural and geographical divides within the nascent Christian church. Titus, a trusted co-worker of Paul, had been sent to Corinth previously to address various issues and had established a good rapport with the church, making him the ideal person to oversee the completion of this sensitive and important task.
Key Themes: 2 Corinthians 8:6 contributes to several overarching themes within Paul's epistles and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of completing good works, emphasizing that Christian commitment requires not only initiation but also diligent follow-through. Paul's desire for Titus to "finish" what he had "begun" highlights the importance of steadfastness and integrity in Christian service, echoing the call to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only" found in James 1:22. Secondly, the verse reiterates the theme of grace in giving. Paul consistently frames giving not as a burdensome obligation but as a divine enablement and privilege, a manifestation of God's unmerited favor working through believers. This "grace" (Greek: charis) is the same empowering divine influence that led the Macedonians to give sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:1). Thirdly, it highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability, as Titus's role is crucial in guiding the Corinthians to fulfill their commitment, ensuring consistency and reliability within the body of Christ. Finally, the entire collection effort embodies the theme of Christian unity and mutual support, demonstrating how different parts of the church can tangibly express love and care for one another (Romans 15:26-27).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

desired (Greek, parakaléō', G3870): This term, G3870, means "to call near," implying to invite, invoke, or by imploration, hortation, or consolation. In this context, it signifies a strong appeal, a fervent request, or an earnest exhortation from Paul to Titus. It's not a command but a heartfelt plea, reflecting Paul's pastoral concern for both Titus and the Corinthian church to see this good work completed.
begun (Greek, proenárchomai', G4278): This word, G4278, is a compound from pro (before) and enárchomai (to begin), meaning "to commence already" or "to begin before." It emphasizes that Titus had already taken the initial steps or set the process in motion for the collection among the Corinthians. This highlights the prior commitment and enthusiasm of the Corinthians, which Paul now seeks to see brought to fruition.
finish (Greek, epiteléō', G2005): Derived from epi (upon, over) and teléō (to complete, fulfill), G2005 means "to fulfill further (or completely)," "to execute," or "to terminate." It signifies bringing something to a perfect or complete end, accomplishing a task fully. Paul's use of this word underscores his desire for the collection to be brought to a comprehensive and successful conclusion, not merely left as an initiated but unfinished project.

Verse Breakdown

"Insomuch that we desired Titus": Paul expresses his earnest request or exhortation to Titus. The phrase "Insomuch that" (G1519 eis) indicates the purpose or result, linking this desire to the preceding discussion about the Macedonian churches' generosity. Paul's desire is a direct response to the exemplary giving he just described, implying that the Corinthians, too, should emulate such complete and Spirit-led generosity.
"that as he had begun": This clause refers to Titus's prior involvement in initiating the collection among the Corinthians. It acknowledges that the groundwork had already been laid and that the Corinthians had, at an earlier point, shown a readiness to participate. This serves as a reminder of their initial commitment and enthusiasm.
"so he would also finish in you the same grace also": This is the core of Paul's desire. He wants Titus to ensure that the work he started is brought to completion among the Corinthians. The phrase "the same grace" refers to the "grace of giving" or the "gift of liberality" that Paul attributes to the Macedonians and desires to see fully manifested in Corinth. It implies that this act of giving is not merely a human endeavor but a divine enablement and a spiritual privilege, requiring faithful follow-through.

Literary Devices

The verse employs Emphasis through repetition of the idea of completion, contrasting "begun" with "finish," thereby highlighting the critical importance of follow-through in Christian service. There is a subtle Metaphor at play where "grace" (G5485 charis), typically understood as God's unmerited favor for salvation, is extended to encompass the spiritual enablement and disposition for generous giving. This elevates the act of charity from a mere human transaction to a divine work within believers. Furthermore, the mention of Titus serves as a form of Synecdoche, where the individual represents the broader mission and the importance of dedicated leadership in guiding the church to fulfill its commitments. The overall tone of the verse is one of Exhortation, as Paul, through his "desire" for Titus, is indirectly urging the Corinthians to complete their promised contribution.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse powerfully connects the themes of divine grace and human responsibility in Christian living. The "grace" of giving is not merely a human act of charity but a spiritual manifestation, an overflow of God's unmerited favor working within believers to produce generosity. This divine enablement, however, requires human faithfulness and diligence to bring it to completion. It speaks to the integrity of Christian commitment, where good intentions must be matched by consistent action and follow-through. The collection itself is a tangible expression of the unity of the body of Christ, demonstrating practical love and mutual support among believers, reflecting the very nature of God's covenant faithfulness.

Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
James 2:22: "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
1 Corinthians 16:1-4: "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me."

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

2 Corinthians 8:6 serves as a profound reminder that Christian living is not merely about good intentions or enthusiastic beginnings, but about faithful and diligent follow-through. It challenges believers to assess areas in their lives where they may have started a "good work"—whether in acts of service, financial commitments, spiritual disciplines, or relational reconciliation—but have yet to bring it to completion. The "grace" of giving extends beyond monetary contributions to encompass every area where God empowers us to be generous with our time, talents, and resources. Recognizing that our capacity to give and serve is itself a manifestation of God's grace transforms these acts from burdensome obligations into joyful privileges, enabling us to participate in God's ongoing work in the world. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of integrity and perseverance, ensuring that our actions consistently align with our declared faith and initial commitments, thereby bringing glory to God and blessing to others.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of my life, ministry, or personal commitments have I "begun" something good but not yet "finished" it?
How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of giving, not just as a duty, but as an extension and manifestation of God's grace in my life?
What steps can I take to ensure greater consistency and follow-through in my spiritual disciplines and acts of service?
How does the example of Titus's leadership encourage me to both initiate and complete good works within my sphere of influence?

FAQ

What does "the same grace also" refer to in this verse?

Answer: "The same grace also" refers to the "grace of giving" or the "gift of liberality." Paul has just described how the Macedonian churches, despite their extreme poverty, gave with extraordinary generosity, which he attributed to "the grace of God" given to them (2 Corinthians 8:1). Therefore, when he speaks of the "same grace" in connection with the Corinthians, he means that the divine enablement and spiritual disposition for generous, sacrificial giving should be fully manifested and completed among them as well. It's not just about the act of giving, but the supernatural empowerment behind it.

Why was Titus so important to Paul's mission in Corinth?

Answer: Titus was a highly trusted and effective co-worker of Paul, often serving as Paul's emissary to sensitive and challenging churches like Corinth. He had a proven track record of successfully navigating difficult situations and fostering reconciliation. Paul had sent Titus to Corinth previously to address various issues, and Titus had established a good rapport with the church, bringing back positive reports (2 Corinthians 7:6-7). His presence and leadership were crucial for ensuring the collection was not only initiated but also brought to a successful and orderly completion, providing both oversight and encouragement to the Corinthian believers.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

2 Corinthians 8:6, with its emphasis on "grace" and "completion," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine grace, for "of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace" (John 1:16). The "grace" Paul speaks of in the context of giving is a reflection of the ultimate grace demonstrated by Christ, who, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). Furthermore, Christ is the one who perfectly "finished" the work given to Him by the Father. His cry from the cross, "It is finished!" (John 19:30), declares the complete and perfect accomplishment of salvation, atonement, and the establishment of the new covenant. Believers, indwelt by the Spirit of Christ, are empowered to participate in this same divine principle of grace-filled completion, knowing that "he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Thus, our acts of giving and faithful completion of good works are not merely human efforts but a participation in Christ's own finished work and ongoing ministry through His body, the Church, reflecting the glory of the one who is "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8 verses 1–6

1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Observe here,

I. The apostle takes occasion from the good example of the churches of Macedonia, that is, of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and others in the region of Macedonia, to exhort the Corinthians and the Christians in Achaia to the good work of charity. And,

1.He acquaints them with their great liberality, which he calls the grace of God bestowed on the churches, Co2 8:1. Some think the words should be rendered, the gift of God given in or by the churches. He certainly means the charitable gifts of these churches, which are called the grace or gifts of God, either because they were very large, or rather because their charity to the poor saints did proceed from God as the author, and was accompanied with true love to God, which also was manifested this way. The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good that is in us, or done by us, at any time; and it is great grace and favour from God, and bestowed on us, if we are made useful to others, and are forward to any good work.

2.He commends the charity of the Macedonians, and sets it forth with good advantage. He tells them, (1.) They were but in a low condition, and themselves in distress, yet they contributed to the relief of others. They were in great tribulation and deep poverty, Co2 8:2. It was a time of great affliction with them, as may be seen, Act 18:17. The Christians in these parts met with ill treatment, which had reduced them to deep poverty; yet, as they had abundance of joy in the midst of tribulation, they abounded in their liberality; they gave out of a little, trusting in God to provide for them, and make it up to them. (2.) They gave very largely, with the riches of liberality (Co2 8:2), that is, as liberally as if they had been rich. It was a large contribution they made, all things considered; it was according to, yea beyond, their power (Co2 8:3), as much as could well be expected from them, if not more. Note, Though men may condemn the indiscretion, yet God will accept the pious zeal, of those who in real works of piety and charity do rather beyond their power. (3.) They were very ready and forward to this good work. They were willing of themselves (Co2 8:3), and were so far from needing that Paul should urge and press them with many arguments that they prayed him with much entreaty to receive the gift, Co2 8:4. It seems Paul was backward to undertake this trust, for he would give himself to the word and prayer; or, it may be, he was apprehensive how ready his enemies would be to reproach and blacken him upon all occasions, and might take a handle against him upon account of so large a sum deposited in his hands, to suspect or accuse him of indiscretion and partiality in the distribution, if not of some injustice. Note, How cautious ministers should be, especially in money-matters, not to give occasion to those who seek occasion to speak reproachfully! (4.) Their charity was founded in true piety, and this was the great commendation of it. They performed this good work in a right method: First they gave themselves to the Lord, and then they gave unto us their contributions, by the will of God (Co2 8:5), that is, according as it was the will of God they should do, or to be disposed of as the will of God should be, and for his glory. This, it seems, exceeded the expectation of the apostle; it was more than he hoped for, to see such warm and pious affections shining in these Macedonians, and this good work performed with so much devotion and solemnity. They solemnly, jointly, and unanimously, made a fresh surrender of themselves, and all they had, unto the Lord Jesus Christ. They had done this before, and now they do it again upon this occasion; sanctifying their contributions to God's honour, by first giving themselves to the Lord. Note, [1.] We should give ourselves to God; we cannot bestow ourselves better. [2.] When we give ourselves to the Lord, we then give him all we have, to be called for and disposed of according to his will. [3.] Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only giving to him what is his own. [4.] What we give or bestow for charitable uses will not be accepted of God, nor turn to our advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord.

II. The apostle tells them that Titus was desired to go and make a collection among them (Co2 8:6), and Titus, he knew, would be an acceptable person to them. He had met with a kind reception among them formerly. They had shown good affection to him, and he had a great love for them. Besides, Titus had already begun this work among them, therefore he was desired to finish it. So that he was, on all accounts, a proper person to be employed; and, when so good a work had already prospered in so good a hand, it would be a pity if it should not proceed and be finished. Note, It is an instance of wisdom to use proper instruments in a work we desire to do well; and the work of charity will often succeed the best when the most proper persons are employed to solicit contributions and dispose of them.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.

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John ChrysostomAD 407

Homily 16 on 2 Corinthians

"Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also." And what connexion is there here? Much; and closely bearing on what went before. 'For because we saw them vehement,' he says, 'and fervent in all things, in temptations, in alms giving, in their love toward us, in the purity otherwise of their life: in order that ye too might be made their equals, we sent Titus.' Howbeit he did not say this, though he implied it. Behold excessiveness of love. 'For though intreated and desired by them,' he says, 'we were anxious about your state, lest by any means ye should come short of them. Wherefore also we sent Titus, that by this also being stirred up and put in mind, ye might emulate the Macedonians.' For Titus happened to be there when this Epistle was writing. Yet he shows that he had made a beginning in this matter before Paul's exhortation; "that as he had made a beginning before," he says. Wherefore also he bestows great praise on him; for instance, in the beginning [of the Epistle]; "Because I found not Titus my brother, I had no relief for my spirit:" and here all those things which he has said, and this too itself. For this also is no light praise, the having begun before even: for this evinces a warm and fervent spirit. Wherefore also he sent him, infusing amongst them in this also a very great incentive unto giving, the presence of Titus.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

2 Corinthians 12:18
I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
2 Corinthians 8:19
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
2 Corinthians 8:4
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:16
¶ But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
2 Corinthians 8:17
For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
2 Corinthians 9:5
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.