Generosity Commended 1But, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia; 2because in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3Because I witness, that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they were anxious, 4with much exhortation praying our favor and the fellowship of the ministry which is to the saints: 5and not as we hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and to us through the will of God: 6that we should exhort Titus, that as he formerly began it, he may indeed also complete this grace unto you. 7But as in every thing you abound, in faith, and in word, and knowledge, and in all zeal, and in divine love from you in us, that you may also abound in this philanthropy. 8I speak not according to commandment, but through the zeal of others also proving the sincerity of your divine love. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, being rich, for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be made rich. 10And herein I give my judgement: for this is profitable to you, who not only began to do, but to be anxious, a year ago: 11but now indeed complete the work; in order that as there was a promptitude of willing, there shall also be a completion out of your ability. 12For if there is first a willing mind, it is acceptable according to what one may have, and not according to what he has not. 13For it is not that there may be relief to others, affliction to you, but that it may be according to equality: at this time your abundance may correspond to their deficiency, 14that their abundance may correspond with your deficiency, in order that there may be equality: 15as has been written, He that had much did not super-abound; and he that had little did not lack. Titus Commended 16But thanks be unto God, who gives this same enthusiasm in your behalf in the heart of Titus; 17because he indeed accepted our exhortation; and being the more enthusiastic, came unto you of his own accord. 18But we sent with him the brother, whose praise in the gospel is through all the churches; 19not only so, but having been elected by the churches our traveling companion with this philanthropy, administered by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and your promptitude: 20and avoiding this, lest any one may blame us in this benefaction administered by us: 21for we provide things honest, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also before the people. 22And we sent our brother along with him to them, whom we have tried, being frequently zealous in many things, but now much more zealous, with great confidence towards you. 23Whether in behalf of Titus, my companion and fellow-laborer towards you; or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24Moreover manifesting the exhibition of your love, and our boasting to them in your behalf, in the face of the churches. The Godbey New Testament (1902) Digital Text Courtesy TheWord.net Bible Software. Section Headings Courtesy Berean Bible. |