Finished in the Same Grace 2 Corinthians 8:6

Paul the apostle and his companions shared how the churches in Macedonia “did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God”, and in chapter eight and verse six of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how “Titus” wanted to “finish” in the Corinthian church members “the same grace” which was in the Macedonian churches where we read:

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun,

so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

The verse begins, “Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, ...” Paul began with the word, “insomuch” which means “towards, throughout, till and until the point” “that we desired” which means “Paul and his companions called to one's side, summoned for, entreated and beseeched” “Titus” whose name means “nurse” and was “a Gentile Christian and Paul's companion in some of his journeys”, “that as he had begun” which means “made a beginning forth or commence already”. Paul so admired the great job done with the Macedonian churches that he wanted Titus to be involved with the Corinthian church as well.

The verse goes on to say, “... so he would also finish in you the same grace also.” Paul continued with the words, “so he would also” which means “that Titus might even so and indeed” “finish” which means “bring to an end, accomplish, perfect, execute and complete” “the same grace” which refers to “the like and selfsame trait which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, goodwill, loving-kindness and unmerited favor” “also” or “even and indeed”. Paul wanted the same “grace” which was in the Macedonian churches to be within the Corinthians as well.

When we think through these words of Paul, we note once again his acknowledgment of the “grace” which was in the Macedonian churches. Their “loving-kindness and favor” toward others was so abundant, that Paul desired for “Titus” to “complete” the same “grace” within the church in Corinth. Jesus Christ's churches should inspire one another toward spiritual traits, and when a church is thriving in a spiritual area such as these Macedonian churches, it should motivate them to imitate their behaviors and attitudes. May the Lord Jesus help us to put at bay “competition” between churches, and work toward “finishing in the same grace” as our Lord Jesus Christ.

Next time Paul shares how he and his companions desired for the church members to, “abound in every thing”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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