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.
6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.
6 That's what prompted us to ask Titus to bring the relief offering to your attention, so that what was so well begun could be finished up.
6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.
6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.
17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going
17 He was most considerate of how we felt, but his eagerness to go to you and help out with this relief offering is his own idea.
17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.
17 Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you.
(Read 2 Corinthians 8:16-24)
The apostle commends the brethren sent to collect their charity, that it might be known who they were, and how safely they might be trusted. It is the duty of all Christians to act prudently; to hinder, as far as we can, all unjust suspicions. It is needful, in the first place, to act uprightly in the sight of God, but things honest in the sight of men should also be attended to. A clear character, as well as a pure conscience, is requisite for usefulness. They brought glory to Christ as instruments, and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted faithful, and employed in his service. The good opinion others have of us, should be an argument with us to do well.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:6
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:1-6
(Read 2 Corinthians 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!