Churches of Macedonia Gave Abundantly

1Moreover, brethren, we want you to know of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3For to their ability, I bear record, yea, and beyond their ability they were willing of themselves;

4Begging us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5And this they did, not as we expected, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

6So that we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

7Therefore, as you abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.

8I speak not by commandment, but to prove by the earnestness of others, the sincerity of your love.

Jesus' Supreme Example

9For 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 be rich.

Fulfill Stewardship Promises

10And in this I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to desire a year ago.

11Now 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 you have.

12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man has, and not according to what he has not.

13For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened:

14But 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:

15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Titus, a Faithful, Caring Worker

16But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

17For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more earnest, of his own accord he went unto you.

18And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

19And 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 a testimony of your eagerness:

20Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

22And 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.

23If any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you: or if our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

24Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.