2 Corinthians 8:6 – “So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul shifts from talking about the Macedonian churches’ generosity to encouraging the Corinthian believers to complete their own commitment to giving. He mentions Titus, one of his trusted co-workers, who had already started the process of collecting the Corinthians’ offering. Now, Paul urges Titus to help them follow through and finish what they had promised.

Paul refers to their giving as an “act of grace.” This means that generosity is not just a financial transaction—it’s a work of God’s grace in the lives of believers. The Corinthians had already shown willingness to give, but now Paul is encouraging them to be faithful and complete what they started.

This verse teaches an important truth: good intentions are not enough. The Corinthians had made a commitment to give, but they had not yet acted on it. Paul is gently reminding them that following through on our commitments—especially in serving God and others—is an essential part of faithfulness.

Historical Context

Paul had been organizing a collection from various churches to support struggling Christians in Jerusalem, who were facing famine and poverty (Acts 11:27-30). The Corinthians had previously expressed a desire to help and had begun the process of giving, but for some reason, they had not yet completed it.

Titus had likely been involved in encouraging them to give from the beginning, and now Paul is sending him again to make sure they finish what they started.

The city of Corinth was wealthy compared to the Macedonian churches, yet the poorer Macedonians had already given generously, while the Corinthians had delayed. Paul is not scolding them, but he is using the Macedonians’ example to inspire them to follow through.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several spiritual truths:

• Generosity is a work of God’s grace. Paul calls giving an “act of grace,” showing that generosity comes from God working in our hearts, not just from personal wealth.
• Faithfulness means following through. The Corinthians had made a commitment to give, but they needed encouragement to complete it. This reminds us that our good intentions must be accompanied by action.
• Spiritual leaders help believers grow in obedience. Paul sends Titus to help guide the Corinthians in fulfilling their commitment. God often uses leaders to encourage and strengthen believers in their faithfulness.
• Giving is part of Christian maturity. Paul is not just asking for donations—he is helping the Corinthians grow in their faith by learning to be faithful in generosity.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s language here is both encouraging and instructive.

• “We urged Titus” – Paul is not commanding the Corinthians directly but is working through Titus to encourage them. This shows a pastoral and gentle approach to leadership.
• “Just as he had earlier made a beginning” – This phrase reminds them that they had already started this commitment. Paul is calling them to finish what they willingly started.
• “To bring also to completion” – The phrase suggests that their giving is not yet complete. Paul is emphasizing the importance of finishing what they set out to do.
• “This act of grace” – Paul uses this phrase to highlight that giving is not just about money—it’s a spiritual action, a reflection of God’s grace in their lives.

Paul’s wording is deliberate—he does not shame the Corinthians but gently reminds them of their responsibility and encourages them to finish their commitment.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (Good intentions must be followed by action.)
• Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.” (Commitments should be honored.)
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (God blesses faithful generosity.)
• Luke 14:28-30 – Jesus speaks of counting the cost before committing, emphasizing the importance of finishing what we start.
• Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Talents shows that faithfulness in small things leads to greater blessings.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds believers that faithfulness matters. The Corinthians had good intentions, but they needed encouragement to follow through. Many Christians today make commitments—to give, to serve, to grow spiritually—but struggle to complete them. This verse teaches us that finishing what we start is an important part of obedience.

It also reminds us that generosity is a work of God’s grace. Giving isn’t just about money; it’s about our hearts being transformed by God’s love. When we give, we are participating in His work and reflecting His character.

Finally, this verse shows that spiritual accountability is important. Just as Paul sent Titus to encourage the Corinthians, we also need people in our lives who challenge us to remain faithful in our commitments to God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love in several ways:

1. God’s love moves people to generosity. Giving is described as an “act of grace.” This means that generosity is a gift from God—He enables and inspires it in His people.
2. God is patient with His people. Instead of condemning the Corinthians for not finishing their giving, Paul encourages them gently. This reflects God’s patience and kindness toward us.
3. God provides guidance and encouragement. Just as He sent Titus to the Corinthians, God provides leaders, mentors, and fellow believers to help us stay faithful.

God’s love is not just about what He gives us—it’s also about how He works through us to bless others.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of faithfulness. Just as Paul encourages the Corinthians to finish their act of giving, Jesus was committed to finishing the work the Father sent Him to do.

• John 17:4 – “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”
• Luke 22:42 – In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” He followed through completely in His mission.
• Hebrews 12:2 – “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus didn’t just intend to save us—He actually completed the work on the cross. His faithfulness is our greatest example of following through on what we are called to do.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever made a commitment to God that you struggled to complete? What happened?
2. Why do you think Paul refers to generosity as an “act of grace”?
3. How can you be more faithful in following through on your commitments to God and others?
4. Do you have people in your life who encourage and challenge you spiritually, like Titus did for the Corinthians?
5. How does Jesus’ example of faithfulness inspire you to be more faithful in your own walk with God?

This verse is a reminder that good intentions are not enough—faithfulness matters. God calls us to complete the work He lays on our hearts, whether in generosity, service, or personal growth. And just like the Corinthians needed Titus, we need accountability and encouragement to stay faithful. Most of all, we look to Jesus, who didn’t just start His mission—He finished it.