Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:6

"Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also." — 2 Corinthians 8:6 (ASV)

The sterling example of the Macedonians encouraged Paul to ask Titus to make arrangements for the completion of the offering among the Corinthians. After all, unlike the Macedonians, they were not facing persecution, nor were they in desperate financial straits. How willingly they ought to contribute! Earlier Titus had “made a beginning” on the collection, though when this occurred is not clear. It may have been when he delivered the “severe letter,” or at an even earlier time.

Titus had already brought to a successful completion an “act of grace” among them—likely his task as Paul’s special envoy to Corinth to deliver the “severe letter” and to carry out its measures. But in Paul’s judgment something more than another letter was needed to make sure the Corinthians now completed their offering. Thus Paul wants Titus to pay another visit.

A special visit from Titus, however, would not in itself guarantee the success of the collection. So Paul appeals to the Corinthians’ desire to exhibit every sign of spirituality (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:5, 7; 12:31; 14:37). By using the word charis (“grace”; cf. comment on vv.1–2) of this virtue of giving, he makes it clear that generosity stands alongside faith, speech, knowledge, and love as an expression of divine grace in a person (v.7).