'Beginning' in the Bible

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some, letters of recommendation to you or from you?

So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well.

And herein I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.