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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
Insomuch
G1519
εἰς
Insomuch
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρακαλέσαι
desired
G3870
παρακαλέσαι
desired
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
3 of 17
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιτελέσῃ
finish
G2005
ἐπιτελέσῃ
finish
Strong's:
G2005
Word #:
11 of 17
to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo
εἰς
Insomuch
G1519
εἰς
Insomuch
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:18I 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 8:4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.2 Corinthians 8:19And 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:
Historical Context
Titus served as Paul's troubleshooter in Corinth, successfully resolving prior conflicts (2 Corinthians 7:5-16). His diplomatic skills and pastoral wisdom made him ideal for the sensitive task of collecting funds from a congregation that had questioned Paul's motives and authority. The collection had apparently stalled during the church conflict; Paul now seeks to revive it through positive example rather than apostolic coercion.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual 'graces' have you begun but not completed?
- How can accountability relationships (like Paul-Titus-Corinth) help finish what God starts?
- Why is it important that giving be 'finished' and not just occasionally attempted?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also—The Macedonian example prompted Paul to request that Titus complete (epitelesē, ἐπιτελέσῃ, 'bring to completion/finish') in Corinth what he had started. The verb suggests bringing to mature fruition, not mere conclusion. The phrase tēn charin tautēn ('this grace') again designates giving as charis—a gift of God's enabling power, not human achievement. Paul tactfully reminds the Corinthians they had previously begun this 'grace' but hadn't finished.
Titus appears as Paul's trusted delegate, a pattern seen throughout 2 Corinthians (2:13, 7:6-16, 12:18). The apostle wisely avoids handling money himself (8:20-21), instead commissioning tested leaders. The phrase kathōs proenenrxato ('as he had begun before') indicates Titus had previously initiated the collection in Corinth, likely during the 'severe letter' visit (2 Corinthians 2:3-4). Now Paul wants completion, using Macedonian generosity to inspire Corinthian follow-through without resorting to command.