Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:6
Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
6. Insomuch that we desired Titus ] Titus, it seems clear by the words ‘as he had begun,’ went a second time to Corinth before the Apostle arrived there (see, however, note on 2Co 8:18). His first visit began, his second completed the collection for the saints. For desired see ch. 2Co 1:3, the word receiving a great variety of translations in the N. T. Perhaps incited (or urged) would be the best translation here.
finish ] Literally, complete.
in you ] Literally, unto you. “Erga vos.” Estius.
the same grace also ] See note on 2Co 8:4. The Greek word is the same in both instances. The grace or favour is either (1) (see last note) the work of love which St Paul had accomplished in Macedonia, that of stirring up their zeal in giving; or (2) it may refer to the good work which God performed in their souls by means of His ministers, in drawing out all the best qualities of their renewed humanity.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Insomuch – The sense of this passage seems to be this, We were encouraged by this unexpected success among the Macedonians. We were surprised at the extent of their liberality. And encouraged by this, we requested Titus to go among you and finish the collection which you had proposed and which you had begun. Lest you should be outstripped in liberality by the comparatively poor Macedonian Christians, we were anxious that you should perform what you had promised and contemplated, and we employed Titus, therefore, that he might go at once and finish the collection among you.
The same grace also – Margin, Gift; see the note on 2Co 8:1. The word refers to the contribution which he wished to be made.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 6. That we desired Titus] Titus had probably laid the plan of this contribution when he was before at Corinth, according to the direction given by the apostle, 1Co 16:1, c.
The same grace] Liberality. See the note on 2Co 8:1.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The same grace, in this place, signifieth no more than the same gift, or the same good work, in collecting in the church of Corinth. If by grace here be understood the grace of God, the cause is put for the effect (as we had it in the first verse); but yeou being not here added, possibly it had been better translated gift, or free contribution; for how a minister should finish the grace of God, is hard to conceive; and the phrase is at best very hard, but he may be an instrument for completing a good work, which is done from a habit of Divine grace, by exhortations and arguments, which he may use to press the performance of it. Titus (it seemeth) had been diligent in some other places to make this collection; going to Corintlh the apostle presseth him to go on with it there also.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
6. Insomuch thatAs we saw theMacedonians’ alacrity in giving, we could not but exhort Titus, thatas we collected in Macedonia, so he in Corinth should complete thework of collecting which he had already begun there, lest ye, thewealthy people of Corinth, should be outdone in liberality by thepoor Macedonians.
as he had begunGreek,“previously begun,” namely, the collection atCorinth, before the Macedonians began to contribute, duringthe visit to Corinth from which he had just returned.
finish in you the samegracecomplete among you this act of grace or beneficence onyour part.
alsoas well as otherthings which he had to do among them [ALFORD].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Insomuch that we desired Titus,…. Observing the very great readiness, cheerfulness, and liberality of the poor Macedonians in this matter, the apostles could do no other than desire Titus to forward, hasten, and accomplish a like liberal contribution among the Corinthians; or the sense is, that the Macedonians not only prayed with much entreaty, as in 2Co 8:4 that the apostle would be pleased to take their collection, and send or carry it to Jerusalem; but also that they would entreat Titus,
that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also; that is, that as he had already moved this affair to the Corinthians while he was with them, and had made some progress in it, though what, through one thing or another, it had been retarded, and lay in some measure neglected; that he might be desired to go again, on purpose to complete so good a work, so acceptable to God, and so useful to the poor saints; which carries in it a new and strong argument to stir up the Corinthians to this service; since they had not only the example of the Macedonian churches, but it was even at their request that Titus was desired to go upon this errand; and to this sense read the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Insomuch that we exhorted Titus ( ). Use of and the infinitive for result with accusative of general reference (). See Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003.
He had made a beginning before (). First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb —, still found only here and verse 10, to make a start before others.
Complete () First aorist (effective) active subjunctive of , to finish, with perfective use of in composition.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Had begun [] . Only here and ver. 10. Rev., giving the force of pro before, had made a beginning before : on his first visit to Corinth.
Complete – this grace also [ ] . Should complete among you the act of love [] , the contribution already begun, in addition to whatever else He has yet to complete among you [ ] .
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Insomuch that we desired Titus,” (eis to parakalesai hemas Titon) “That we should beseech or (appeal to) Titus,” his fund-raising, alms minister associate who helped raise funds for the impoverished saints in Judea.
2) “That as he had begun,” (hina kathos pronerksato) “in order that just as he previously began,” the collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem, while he labored with the Corinth brethren in Paul’s absence, Gal 6:9; 1Co 15:58.
3) “So he would also finish in you” (houtos kai epitelese eis humas) “Thus also he should finish or complete in you all,” a work already begun, while he should finish or complete in you all,” a work already begun, while he was formerly with them. They needed to make the alms gifts they had pledged; Ecc 5:4.
4) “The same grace also,” (kai ten charin tauten) “This grace also,” this grace of liberal giving, for benevolent, as well as missionary purposes, a means by which one may show that he is a disciple of the Lord indeed, Joh 13:34-35; 1Jn 3:16-17; Jas 2:15-17; Mat 25:34-40.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
6. That we should exhort Titus. Now this is an exhortation that is of greater force, when they learn that they are expressly summoned to duty. (667) Nor was it offensive to the Macedonians, that he was desirous to have the Corinthians as partners in beneficence. In the mean time an apology is made for Titus, that the Corinthians may not think that he pressed too hard upon them, as if he had not confidence in their good disposition. For he did that, from having been entreated, and it was rather in the name of the Macedonians, than in his own.
(667) “ Quand ils oyent qu’on les somme nommeement et presentement de faire leur droit;” — “When they hear that they summon them expressly and presently to do their duty.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(6) Insomuch that we desired Titus . . .The sequence of events seems to have been this: When Titus came to Corinth, he, among other things, after seeing the satisfactory results of the First Epistle in other respects, had begun to take measures for this collection for the poor of Jerusalem. He had been, to a certain extent, successful. Encouraged by the report of that success, St. Paul had now entreated Titus to return to Corinth, and to bring the good work to its completion. This grace also practically meansthis work of liberality, as well as that of repentance and loyal obedience already spoken of in 2 Corinthians 7.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
6. Titus begun finish Titus was bearer of the first epistle to Corinth, and he appears to have initiated a fulfilment of 1Co 16:1-3, in regard to collections. Incited by the generosity of the Macedonians, Paul decides that Titus is the man to complete the contribution in Corinth; as, having witnessed the bright Macedonian example, he was prepared to rouse Corinth to a joyous emulation.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.’
Indeed so deep was the impact of the Macedonian way of giving that it moved him to send Titus to Corinth in the hope of producing the same effect among them in regard to the Collection which he had already put into motion when he had been with them. This beginning had been made when he had previously been in Corinth, and now Paul hoped that he could stir the Corinthians to also revealing the work of God’s grace within them, revealed by the generosity of their own gracious giving.
‘This grace also.’ As well as the grace resulting from his ministering to the saints.
(It is clear on consideration that for a brief while Paul has expressed himself a little tactlessly, forgetting the touchiness of the Corinthians. Instead of letting them know how he has used them as a stirring example to others, as he does later, he has given the impression that all the credit is due to the Macedonians. This is something he will shortly recognise and strive to correct in chapter 9, and explains his change of tone there).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Co 8:6. As he had begun, &c. “As he had begun the collection among you, so he would also finish it,” Heylin; who, instead of grace in the next verse, reads work of charity. See 2Co 8:1; 2Co 8:9.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Co 8:6 . In order that we should exhort Titus , etc. Comp. 2Co 8:17 . with the infinitive is here, as in all passages (see on Rom 1:20 ), to be taken, not as so that (so usually, and by Winer), but as telic: in order that . Comp. Khner, ad Xen. Anab. vii. 8. 20. Certainly the . . . was a consequence of the beyond expectation successful course of the matter in Macedonia, in accordance with which Paul might promise himself no less a success among the Corinthians; but delicately and piously he presents the state of the case, as if this further prosecution of the work of collection, amidst the self-sacrificing liberality of the Macedonians effected by the divine will, had lain in God’s purpose , and was therefore a consequence that had been aimed at by God . This flows from the . immediately preceding. Comp. Hofmann also. Paul sees in the fact, that the divinely-willed success of the collecting work in Macedonia has encouraged him to the continuance of it expressed in 2Co 8:6 , the fulfilment of the divine counsel and will, which he is thereby servin.
] Design in the , and consequently its content.
] as he formerly has begun , without doubt during his sojourn in Corinth after our first Epistle, see Introd. 1. The word is indeed without example elsewhere, but it is formed from , after the analogy of and other.
] so also might complete it among you . The emphasis lies, as before on , so here on . With the verb of rest associates the thought of the previous arrival, so that may for clearness be supplied. See Khner, 622 b ; Jacobs, ad Anthol. XIII. p. 71; Ellendt, Lex. Soph. I. p. 537. The correlation of and is simply as in Phi 1:6 , Gal 3:3 ; we should anticipate (2Co 9:12 ) by importing the idea of sacrifice (Osiander).
] not hanc quoque gratiam (Beza, Calvin, comp. Castalio), but: etiam gratiam istam (Vulgate). For also belongs to , not to . He shall complete among you in addition to whatever else he has already begun and has still to complete also this benefit . This better suits the context, namely, the connection of the . with , than the interpretation of Estius: “dicit etiam , ut innuat Titum alia quaedam apud ipsos jam perfecisse.” So also Flatt. It is quite superfluous to invoke, with Hofmann, an involution of two sentences in order to explain the double . And since refers to the activity of Titus , Billroth is wrong in explaining it: “they are to distinguish themselves in this good deed, as in all things.”
The work of collection is designated as , for on the side of the givers it was a showing of kindness , a work of love, an opus charitativum . Observe that here and in 2Co 8:4 ; 2Co 8:19 , is not added, as in 2Co 8:1 ; 2Co 9:14 , according to which Hofmann and older commentators explain it here also of the divine grace , of which they are made worthy through the service rendered.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
Ver. 6. So he would finish ] Finis opus coronat. The end crowns the work. “The end is better than the beginning,” saith Solomon. Charles V’s emblem was Ulterius, Farther. Titus was here desired to take up the whole alms, and not to faint till he had finished, Gal 6:9 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
6. ] So that we besought Titus (not, Titus besought us , see 2Co 8:17 ), that (the aim, and purport as well, of our request), as he had previously (before the Macedonians began to contribute: ‘during his visit from which he had now returned’) begun it, so he would also complete among you (the construction is pregnant ) this grace also (this act of grace or mercy, reff.
, as well as other things which he had to do among them. It does not belong to , ‘ this grace also, as well as other graces ,’ but to altogether).
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Co 8:6-7 . . . .: so that we exhorted Titus (the epistolary aor. infin.; this is the exhortation to Titus on his meeting with St. Paul in Macedonia after accomplishing his first Mission to Corinth; . is the word used throughout of the Apostle’s directions to Titus; see 2Co 8:17 , 2Co 9:5 , 2Co 12:17 , and on chap. 2Co 1:4 ), that as he made a beginning before, sc. , in the matter of the collection, during the Mission from which he has now returned, so he would also complete in you this grace also, i.e. , the grace of liberal giving in addition to the graces of repentance and goodwill which rejoiced him so much to observe (2Co 7:13-14 ). is to bring to a successful issue a work already begun; see 2Co 5:11 below. . . .: yea rather ( having an ascensive force as at 2Co 1:9 , 2Co 5:7 being strictly parallel to and explanatory of 2Co 5:6 ) that as ye abound ( cf. 1Co 15:58 ) in everything (so he had said of the Corinthians in 1Co 1:5 , ), in faith (see chap. 2Co 1:24 and 1Co 12:8 , where is named as one of the gifts of the Spirit exhibited among them), and utterance, i.e. , the grace of ready exposition of the Gospel message, and knowledge, i.e. , of Divine things ( and are conjoined, as here, at 1Co 1:5 , and is also mentioned with at 1Co 12:8 ; at 1Co 8:1 he points out with marked emphasis that is not comparable in importance to as shown in condescension to a brother’s intellectual weakness), and all earnestness (see reff. and cf. 2Co 7:11 , where he mentions the that the Corinthians had exhibited when they received his message of reproof), and in your love to us ( cf. 2Co 1:11 and 2Co 8:24 ; the variant reading would disturb the sense all through he is speaking of the graces of the Corinthians, not of his own), so ye may abound in this grace also ( cf. 2Co 9:8 ). The English versions and comm. take with the subj. here as a periphrasis for the imperative, and understand some verb like , “ See that ye abound, etc.,” but this usage of is unexampled. We follow Kennedy in taking 2Co 8:7 in close connexion with 2Co 8:6 , although we do not agree with the inferences which he draws (2 and 3 Cor. , p. 122). 2Co 8:7 seems “to have been added by St. Paul,” he rightly observes “to avoid any appearance of depreciating the work which Titus had already accomplished among the Corinthian Christians, by the description of it in 2Co 8:6 as a beginning”. Cf. the shrewd remark of Grotius, “non ignoravit Paulus artem rhetorum, movere laudando”.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Insomuch, &c. Literally Unto (Greek. eis) our exhorting (Greek. parakaleo. App-134.)
that = in order that. Greek. hina.
begun = begun before. Greek. proenarchomai. Only here and 2Co 8:10.
also finish = finish also.
finish. Greek. epiteled. App-125.
in = unto. Greek. eis, as above.
the same = this.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
6.] So that we besought Titus (not, Titus besought us, see 2Co 8:17), that (the aim, and purport as well, of our request), as he had previously (before the Macedonians began to contribute: during his visit from which he had now returned) begun it, so he would also complete among you (the construction is pregnant- ) this grace also (this act of grace or mercy, reff.
,-as well as other things which he had to do among them. It does not belong to , this grace also, as well as other graces, but to altogether).
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Co 8:6. ) Not the end, but the consequence is intended [insomuch that].- , as he formerly began) in regard to spiritual things, ch. 2Co 7:15. To him, who has begun well, the things which are beyond turn out easy. He had gone to the Corinthians; he was going to the Corinthians.-, he would finish) in this matter. [If you have attempted any good thing, finish it.-V. g.]- , in respect of you) that you might imitate the Macedonians.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Co 8:6
2Co 8:6
Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.-This example of the Macedonian churches was used by Paul to urge the Corinthians to greater zeal, so he exhorted Titus, who, when among them, had begun the work with so much zeal, to complete it. We are often surprised how slow Christians are to do work without a living voice to encourage them, but it seems to have been the same in Pauls day. He could not trust his letters to stir them up to activity. [Paul made a wise use of the example of the Macedonians. He did not appeal to pride, vanity, or any such selfish feeling, but simply presented this remarkable case of Christian liberality. Had he said: Be not beaten by those Macedonians; had he called natural prejudices into play-a Corinthian to yield to a Macedonian!-then all the evil passions of their nature would have been stimulated. Emulation is a true principle if properly used. The danger lies not in the thing itself, but in its abuses, and particularly in the encouragement in which it may afford to false rivalry and jealousy. In a large measure, the spirit and conduct of others make the social atmosphere we breathe, nor can we live in the world without contact with it Excellence assumes its most attractive forms in noble examples, and. except for these, our ideals, if they existed at all, would be very imperfect. Consistently, then, with his purpose of stimulating a higher degree of Christian excellence, he sets before them in most vivid colors the liberality of the Macedonian churches.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
we: 2Co 8:16, 2Co 8:17, 2Co 12:18
grace: or, gift, 2Co 8:4, 2Co 8:19, *marg. 2Co 9:5, Phi 4:18, 1Pe 4:10
Reciprocal: 1Co 16:3 – liberality 2Co 2:13 – Titus 2Co 8:7 – this 2Co 8:23 – Titus 2Co 9:3 – have 2Co 9:14 – the exceeding 1Ti 2:1 – exhort 2Ti 4:10 – Titus Tit 1:4 – Titus
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Co 8:6. As he had begun. Titus began the work of directing the Corinthian brethren in this matter of fellowship (chapter 12:18), and the favorable reaction of the church caused Paul to urge Titus on to its completion.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Co 8:6. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had made a beginning beforethat is, when he went with others to Corinth as the bearer of his First Epistle to that Church, and availed himself of that opportunity to bring the proposal for this collection before them, and made a beginning in preparing for it,so he would complete in you this grace also.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Here our apostle proceeds to make use of several other arguments to persuade the Corinthians to the exercise of the duty and grace of charity: as namely,
(1.) Because he had desired Titus to go to them; and as he had in his last visit begun to stir them up to this duty, and to exercise this grace, so he would farther promote and bring it to perfection.
And, (2.) Because they abounded in other graces and gifts; as namely, in faith, in utterance, and knowledge, &c. therefore they ought to abound in this grace also, otherwise they would not be complete in the whole will of God.
(3.) Because hereby they would testify the sincerity of their love to the saints. It is not good words, but charitable deeds, that evidence the truth of our love to our fellow members in Christ; not saying, Be ye warmed or be ye clothed; but distributing to their necessities according to our abilities.
Yet, observe, The apostle doth not command their purses, and require so much of them for charity; he mentions no particular sum, much less doth he command them to give away all their estates, and live upon a common stock, and leave nothing to themselves which they could call their own; for if a man has nothing of his own, there is no room for liberality. There must be prudence then in the exercise of our charity, prudence in finding out proper objects for our charity, prudence in timing of our charity, prudence in the measure of our charity, and prudence in the end which we propound to ourselves in the exercise of our charity.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Verse 6 Thus encouraged by the Macedonian response, Paul sent Titus back to finish the collection at Corinth. Paul uses the example to encourage, not to promote competition.
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
2Co 8:6-8. Insomuch that Seeing this forwardness in them; we desired Titus, that as he had begun When he was with you before; so he would also now finish among you the same grace That is, fruit of grace, or charity; also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing In all other gifts and attainments; in faith A full assurance of the truth of the gospel; and utterance In eloquence, or ability to speak a variety of languages; and knowledge Of divine things; and in all diligence In performing every Christian duty; and in your love to us To me your spiritual father; see that ye abound Or I pray that you would abound; in this grace of Christian liberality also. I speak not by commandment Or by way of injunction, because works of charity ought to be voluntary; but by occasion of the forwardness of others I recommend it on account of the diligence ( , through the zeal) of the Macedonians, which I wish you to imitate; and reprove the sincerity , the sincere thing, or the genuine sincerity; of your love To God, to your brethren, and to me.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also. [Inspired by the example of the Macedonians, Paul was moved to exhort Titus to return to Corinth, that having begun the work of gathering an offering from the church there, he might continue until the Corinthians made a liberal offering.]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Verse 6
Finish in you the same grace, call upon you to finish the work, by your contributions.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
Titus had begun to lead the Corinthians in assembling their gift sometime before his recent visit to Corinth. He had made this earlier visit a year before the time Paul wrote this epistle (cf. 2Co 8:10; 2Co 9:2). The Corinthians were not facing persecution nor were they facing financial constraints, as the Macedonians were. Nevertheless they had not yet assembled their offering even though Titus had been with them again recently.