| Geneva Study Bible Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. People's New Testament 8:6 We desired Titus, that as he had begun. This faithful fellow laborer of Paul, when he had gone to Corinth when Paul's first epistle was sent, had begun the collection which it commanded in 1Co 16:1. So he would also finish in you. Now Paul directs that Titus return and complete the collection before the arrival of Paul (Ac 20:1-3). The same grace also. The grace of giving. Wesley's Notes 8:6 As he had begun - When he was with you before. King James Translators' Notes grace: or, gift Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 6. Insomuch that-As we saw the Macedonians' alacrity in giving, we could not but exhort Titus, that as we collected in Macedonia, so he in Corinth should complete the work of collecting which he had already begun there, lest ye, the wealthy people of Corinth, should be outdone in liberality by the poor Macedonians. as he had begun-Greek, "previously begun," namely, the collection at Corinth, before the Macedonians began to contribute, during the visit to Corinth from which he had just returned. finish in you the same grace-complete among you this act of grace or beneficence on your part. also-as well as other things which he had to do among them [Alford]. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 8:1-6 The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good in us, or done by us, at any time. It is great grace and favour from God, if we are made useful to others, and forward to any good work. He commends the charity of the Macedonians. So far from needing that Paul should urge them, they prayed him to receive the gift. Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only giving him what is his own. All we give for charitable uses, will not be accepted of God, nor turn to our advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord. By ascribing all really good works to the grace of God, we not only give the glory to him whose due it is, but also show men where their strength is. Abundant spiritual joy enlarges men's hearts in the work and labour of love. How different this from the conduct of those who will not join in any good work, unless urged into it! | 
