Generosity of the Macedonians
MOREOVER brothers, we want you to know the grace of God bestowed among the congregations of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.
3 For I bear witness according to their power; yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4 Beseeching us with much pleading, that we receive their gift and that they may participate in the service of the holy people.
5 And they did; not as we expected, but first gave their ownselves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.
Follow Their Example
6 ¶ In that, we encouraged Titus, that just as he had begun, so he should complete among you this act of grace also.
7 Therefore, just as you abound in everything: in faith, and word, and knowledge; also in all diligence, and in your love for us: see that you abound in this act of grace also.
8 I speak not by commandment, rather because of the diligence of others; to prove also, the sincerity of your love.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor; that you, through his poverty might become rich.
10 ¶ And in this I give my advice, for this is beneficial to you; Having planned to begin this a year ago (but not having done):
11 Now therefore complete the doing; that just as there was a readiness of the will, so there may also be completion of it out of that what you have.
12 For if there clearly exists a willing mind: it is accepted according to what a man has, and not according to what he does not have.
13 For not that, others be eased and you afflicted;
14 Rather of equality: that now at this time, your abundance may supply for their need; and that their abundance may be a supply for your need: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written: He that gathered much, had not too much; and he that gathered little, had not too little.
Collection for the Holy in Judea
16 ¶ And thanks be to God, which put the same diligence into the heart of Titus on your behalf.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; and being all the more diligent: of his own accord, he went to you.
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise in the gospel is throughout all the congregations.
19 And not only that: but who was also chosen of the congregations to travel together with us, with this act of grace. Which is administered by us, to the glory of the same Lord, and a declaration of your eagerness to help;
20 And avoiding this: that no man should find fault with us in this abundance, which is administered by us.
21 Giving thought to what is fitting; not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 ¶ And sending with them our brother, whom in many times has proved diligent in many things; and is now even more diligent, upon the great confidence which we have in you;
23 So if any inquire of Titus my partner and fellow worker concerning you; or our brothers, the apostles of the congregations (the glory of Christ);
24 We then may show to them, and before the congregations, the proof of your love, and our reason for boasting on your behalf.