2 Corinthians 8:6

KJV

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

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}.

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

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.

Commentary

### 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](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - The Collection for the Saints") and [2 Corinthians 9](/2_corinthians/9 "2 Corinthians 9 - Further Exhortation to Generosity"). Immediately preceding [2 Corinthians 8:6](/2_corinthians/8-6 "2 Corinthians 8:6 - Titus to Complete the Collection"), 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](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Macedonian Example of Giving")). 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](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - The Collection for the Saints") continue to elaborate on the principles of giving, linking it to Christ's own self-impoverishment ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Grace")) 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 (cf. [Romans 15:26](/romans/15-26 "Romans 15:26 - The Collection for Jerusalem")). 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](/2_corinthians/8-6 "2 Corinthians 8:6 - Titus to Complete the Collection") 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](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word"). 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](/2_corinthians/8-1 "2 Corinthians 8:1 - The Grace of God in Macedonia")). 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](/romans/15-26-27 "Romans 15:26-27 - Gentile and Jewish Believers United")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desired (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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](/philippians/1-6 "God Will Complete His Work"): "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](/james/2-22 "Faith Perfected by Works"): "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
* [1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1_corinthians/16-1-4 "Instructions for the Collection"): "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](/2_corinthians/8-6 "Titus to Complete the Collection") 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](/2_corinthians/8-1 "The Grace of God in Macedonia")). 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 (cf. [2 Corinthians 7:6-7](/2_corinthians/7-6-7 "Titus's Arrival and Comfort")). 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](/2_corinthians/8-6 "Titus to Complete the Collection"), 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](/john/1-16 "Grace for Grace")). 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](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Example of Grace")). 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](/john/19-30 "It Is Finished")), 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](/philippians/1-6 "God Will Complete His Work")). 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](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, Author and Finisher of Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.