Generosity Commended

1Now we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God having been bestowed among the churches of Macedonia, 2that in much proof of tribulation, the abundance of their joy and of their deep poverty abounded into the riches of their generosity. 3For I testify that according to their ability and beyond their ability, they were willing of themselves, 4imploring of us with much entreaty for the grace and the fellowship of the service among the saints. 5And not only as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, by the will of God.

6Accordingly, we exhorted Titus that as he had begun, so also he might complete with you this grace as well. 7But even as you abound in every way—in faith, and speech, and knowledge, and all earnestness, and in the love from us to you—that also you should abound in this grace. 8I do not speak as a command, but proving the genuineness of your love through the earnestness of others also.

Christ's Example

9For you know the grace our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich, for the sake of you He became poor, so that you through His poverty might be enriched. 10And I give a judgment in this matter, for this is profitable for you who not only have begun from a year ago to act, but also to will. 11And now also complete the doing, so that just as there was the readiness to will, so also there may be to complete, out of that which you have. 12For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable as if he might have, not as he does not have.

13For this is not that to others there may be ease, but for you affliction; but of equality. 14At the present time, your abundance will be for their need, so that their abundance also may be for your need, so that there may be equality. 15As it has been written:

“He the much did not abound,

and he the little had no lack.”a

Titus Commended
(Titus 1:1-4)

16But thanks to God, the One putting into the heart of Titus the same earnestness for you. 17For indeed he accepted our appeal, but being very earnest, of his own accord he has gone out to you.

18And we have sent with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is through all of the churches, 19and not only that, but also having been chosen by the churches, he is our fellow traveler with this grace that is being administered by us toward the glory of the Lord himself and our readiness, 20avoiding this, lest anyone should blame us in this abundance being administered by us. 21For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only before the Lord, but also before men.

22Now we sent with them our brother, whom we have proven often in many things to be earnest, but now much more earnest by his confidence which is toward you. 23Whether as regards Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you; or our brothers, they are apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24Therefore show to them the proof of your love and of our boasting about you in the face of the churches.