2Cor 8
1
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in
the churches of Macedonia;
2
how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty
abounded to the riches of their liberality.
3
For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, [they gave]
of their own accord,
4
beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the
ministering to the saints:
5
and [this], not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord,
and to us through the will of God.
6
Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also
complete in you this grace also.
7
But as you abound in everything, [in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in]
all earnestness, and [in] your love to us, [see] that you abound in this grace also.
8
I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others
the sincerity also 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 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.
11
But now complete the doing also; that as [there was] the readiness to will, so [there
may be] the completion also out of your ability.
12
For if the readiness is there, [it is] acceptable according as [a man] has, not according
as [he] has not.
13
For [I say] not [this] that others may be eased [and] you distressed;
14
but by equality: your abundance [being a supply] at this present time for their want,
that their abundance also may become [a supply] for your want; that there may be equality:
15
as it is written, He who [gathered] much had nothing over; and he who [gathered] little
had no lack.
16
But thanks be to God, who puts the same earn care for you into the heart of Titus.
17
For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earn, he went forth
to you of his own accord.
18
And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel [is spread]
through all the churches;
19
and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in [the
matter of] this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and [to
show] our readiness:
20
Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in [the matter of] this bounty which is
ministered by us:
21
for we take thought for things honorable, 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 many times proved earn in many
things, but now much more earn, by reason of the great confidence which [he has] in
you.
23
Whether [any inquire] about Titus, [he is] my partner and [my] fellow-worker to you-ward,
or our brethren, [they are] the messengers of the churches, [they are] the glory of
Christ.
24
Show you therefore to them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and
of our glorying on your behalf.