2 Corinthians 8 6

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.

2 Corinthians 8:6 nkjv

So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.

2 Corinthians 8:6 niv

So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.

2 Corinthians 8:6 esv

Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.

2 Corinthians 8:6 nlt

So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 6 Meaning

This verse states Paul's initiative to encourage Titus, his trusted co-worker, to return to Corinth. The purpose was for Titus to complete the collection for the Jerusalem saints, a task he had previously initiated among the Corinthian believers. Paul characterizes this charitable endeavor as "this grace of giving," underscoring its nature as a divinely empowered and received blessing, rather than a mere obligation.

2 Corinthians 8 6 Context

Chapter 8 of 2 Corinthians is part of Paul's sustained appeal to the Corinthian church concerning the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. The immediate context of verse 6 is Paul's enthusiastic presentation of the Macedonian churches' exemplary generosity (2 Cor 8:1-5). Despite their own "extreme poverty," the Macedonians gave "beyond their means" with "eagerness," attributing their actions to the "grace of God" and their initial act of surrendering themselves to the Lord and to Paul. This astonishing generosity sets a powerful precedent and motive for the Corinthians. Historically, the collection was vital for several reasons: to relieve famine-stricken Jewish believers, to foster unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians by demonstrating tangible love and solidarity, and to underscore the spiritual debt Gentile believers owed to the Jerusalem church from which the gospel originated (Rom 15:27). The cultural backdrop often involved public displays of patronage or self-serving philanthropy, but Paul emphasizes a form of giving motivated purely by God's grace and Christian love, contrasting it with these worldly motivations.

2 Corinthians 8 6 Word analysis

• So (ὥστε - hōste): This Greek conjunction means "wherefore" or "consequently." It explicitly links this verse to the preceding narrative (2 Cor 8:1-5), indicating that Paul's urging of Titus is a direct result of the encouraging example set by the Macedonian churches and their profound understanding of grace. It frames Titus's mission as a natural extension of divine work.

• we urged (παρεκάλεσαμεν - parekalesamen): From the verb parakaleō, meaning to call alongside, implore, entreat, or encourage. It's more intense than simply "asked," carrying connotations of comfort, exhortation, and strong appeal. This isn't a casual request but a purposeful appeal, consistent with Paul's practice of deeply involving his co-workers in ministry, showing both a personal desire and a divine urgency.

• Titus (Τίτον - Titon): A highly trusted and capable gentile co-worker of Paul. Titus played a crucial role in mediating Paul's relationship with the Corinthians, as evidenced by his earlier visit to help resolve previous issues (2 Cor 7:6-7, 13-16). Paul often sent Titus to difficult churches, attesting to his wisdom and dependability in sensitive pastoral matters.

• that as he had started (ἵνα καθὼς προενήρξατο - hina kathōs proenērxato):

  • that (ἵνα - hina): Introduces a purpose or result clause.
  • as (καθὼς - kathōs): Introduces a comparison or correspondence.
  • he had started (προενήρξατο - proenērxato): From proenarxomai, meaning "to begin beforehand, to make a beginning." This implies that Titus had initiated discussions or preliminary arrangements for this collection during a previous visit to Corinth. The Corinthians were already aware of and likely agreed to participate in this project. It also subtly reinforces the idea of follow-through.

• so he should also complete (οὕτως καὶ ἐπιτελέσῃ - houtōs kai epitelesei):

  • so (οὕτως - houtōs): Denotes manner, "in this way" or "thus."
  • also (καὶ - kai): Here functions as an intensive or inclusive "also."
  • complete (ἐπιτελέσῃ - epitelesei): From epiteleō, meaning "to bring to an end, to accomplish, to perform completely." This verb emphasizes thoroughness and culmination, contrasting with the prior proenērxato. It conveys the idea that merely starting is insufficient; the work needs to be brought to its proper finish, fulfilling the original intent.

• among you (εἰς ὑμᾶς - eis hymas): A common prepositional phrase indicating direction, "to" or "into," here used to specify the Corinthians as the target audience for Titus's work.

• this grace of giving (τὴν χάριν ταύτην - tēn charin tautēn):

  • this (ταύτην - tautēn): A demonstrative pronoun emphasizing the specific collection.
  • grace (χάριν - charin): The crucial word charis carries a rich theological meaning of unmerited favor and divine enablement. Paul explicitly labels the act of Christian giving as "grace." This elevates the collection from a mere financial transaction or a legal obligation to a spiritual expression. It implies that God grants both the desire and the ability to give generously, and the act itself becomes a channel of divine favor and blessing. It is a participation in God's generous nature.

• "he had started... so he should also complete" (προενήρξατο... ἐπιτελέσῃ): This phrasing highlights a fundamental principle in Christian work: what is started must be brought to completion. It implies a divine expectation for diligence and perseverance in acts of faith and love. The continuity from initiation to completion reflects faithfulness in stewardship. This idea resonates with the need to finish good works, not just begin them, and it implies that Christian service involves both the beginning and the diligent execution.

2 Corinthians 8 6 Bonus section

Paul's strategic use of charis (grace) to describe giving serves multiple theological purposes. Firstly, it elevates financial contributions beyond mere human benevolence to a divinely-enabled act, meaning that without God's grace, such giving might not be possible or would lack its spiritual significance. Secondly, it subtly reminds the Corinthians that their own salvation is by grace (Eph 2:8-9), establishing a compelling precedent for extending that same gracious spirit to others. Thirdly, by making giving an expression of grace, Paul differentiates it from worldly patronage, where the giver often seeks honor or influence. Christian giving, motivated by grace, flows from a transformed heart and points to God's glory, not the giver's. This theological framework transforms the collection into a profound demonstration of their spiritual maturity and their unity in Christ, irrespective of their material wealth or status.

2 Corinthians 8 6 Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:6 acts as a bridge, moving from the inspiring example of the Macedonians to a direct charge to the Corinthians. Paul, through the strong exhortation of Titus, calls the Corinthians to a consistent and complete expression of their initial willingness to give. By repeatedly calling the collection a "grace" (2 Cor 8:1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 19; 9:8, 14), Paul redefines charitable giving not as a burdensome duty, but as a spiritual privilege and a divine empowerment. It underscores that truly Christian generosity flows from the overflowing charis of God and demonstrates God's character through His people. This perspective motivates giving not from guilt or obligation, but from a joyful response to God's lavish grace towards them in Christ. Titus's role as the agent for this completion highlights the practical nature of Paul's apostleship and his reliance on faithful co-workers to facilitate tangible expressions of the Gospel message.