“1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed
on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction
the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the
riches of their liberality. 3 For to [their] power, I bear record, yea,
and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves; 4 Praying us
with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us]
the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And [this they did],
not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto
us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had
begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.”
“7 Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance,
and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see]
that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by
occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of
your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that,
though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through
his poverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give [my] advice: for this is
expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be
forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing [of it]; that as
[there was] a readiness to will, so [there may be] a performance also
out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, [it
is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that
he hath not. 13 For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and ye
burdened: 14 But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance
[may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a
supply] for your want: that there may be equality: 15 As it is written,
He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered]
little had no lack.”
“16 But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the
heart of Titus for you. 17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but
being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. 18 And we have
sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout
all the churches; 19 And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the
churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us
to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind: 20
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is
administered by us: 21 Providing for honest things, not only in the
sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent
with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many
things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which [I
have] in you. 23 Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner
and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be enquired of, they
are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ. 24
Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your
love, and of our boasting on your behalf.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-24 AV)
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