1We make known to you, brothers, the grace of God having been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2That in much proof of tribulation, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the wealth of their unworldly simplicity (singleness, not over-complicated). 3I testify that according to their ability and beyond (from close beside) their ability they were willing of themselves, 4Imploring (urgently appealing from a pressing felt-need) of us with much entreaty, the grace and the fellowship of the ministry (diakonias) unto the saints. 5And not just as we had hoped for, but rather they gave themselves, first to the Lord and to us through the will of God. 6We entreat unto Titus, that just as he had begun, so also he may complete unto you this grace.

7But rather just as you abound in every way, in faith, and speech, and knowledge, and all earnestness, and in the love in you from out of us, that in this grace you should abound. 8I do not speak a command, but rather proving because of the earnestness of others the genuineness of your love.

9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for the sake of you, He became poor, though being rich, so that you through that poverty may be rich. 10And I give a judgment in this, for this is beneficial for you, who have begun a year ago not only to do, but rather also to will. 11And now complete doing it, so that just as there was a readiness (eagerness, pre-inclination) to will, so also the completing, from out of that which you have. 12For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according as if possibly he may have, not according as he does not have. 13Not that others may be eased but for you tribulation, but rather from out of equality. 14In the present time, your abundance unto those in need, so that their abundance may be unto your need, so that there may be equality. 15Just as it has been written, “He who has much, did not abound, and he who has little, did not lack.”

16Thanks to God who is putting the same earnestness for you in the heart of Titus. 17Because he accepted our entreaty, being of his own accord very earnest, he has gone out to you. 18We have sent with him the brother, whose praise in the gospel is throughout all of the churches, 19And not only that, but rather also he has been chosen (voted for by stretching out the hand) by the churches to be our fellow traveler with this grace that is being ministered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself and our readiness, 20Avoiding this lest anyone should blame us in this abundance being ministered by us, 21Providing for the winsomely good things, not only in the sight of the Lord but rather also in the sight of men. 22And we sent with them our brother, whom we have often proven earnest in many things, being now much more earnest by his confidence which is toward you. 23As regards Titus, he is my partner and unto you a fellow worker. And as for our brothers, they are apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24Therefore, show unto them and unto the face of the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on behalf of you.