| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | International Standard Version |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1We want you to know, brothers, about God's grace that was given to the churches of Macedonia. |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2In spite of their terrible ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and deep poverty have led them to be abundantly generous. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3I can testify that by their own free will they have given to the utmost of their ability, yes, even beyond their ability. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4They begged us earnestly for the privilege of participating in this ministry to the saints. |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5We did not expect that! They gave themselves to the Lord first and then to us, since this was God's will. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6So we urged Titus to finish this work of kindness among you in the same way that he had started it. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7Indeed, the more your faith, speech, knowledge, enthusiasm, and love for us increase, the more we want you to be rich in this work of kindness. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8I am not commanding you but testing the genuineness of your love by the enthusiasm of others. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah. Although he was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might become rich. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10I am giving you my opinion on this matter because it will be helpful to you. Last year you were not only willing to do something, but had already started to do it. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11Now finish what you began, so that your eagerness to do so may be matched by your eagerness to complete it. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you do not have. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13Not that others should have relief while you have hardship. Rather, it is a question of fairness. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14At the present time, your surplus fills their need, so that their surplus may fill your need. In this way things are fair. |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15As it is written, "The person who had much did not have too much, and the person who had little did not have too little." |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16But thanks be to God, who placed in the heart of Titus the same dedication to you that I have. |
| 17[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 17He welcomed my request and eagerly went to visit you by his own free will. |
| 18[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 18With him we have sent the brother who is praised in all the churches for spreading the gospel. |
| 19[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 19More than that, he has also been selected by the churches to travel with us while we are administering this work of kindness for the glory of the Lord and as evidence of our eagerness to help. |
| 20[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 20We are trying to avoid any criticism of the way we are administering this great undertaking. |
| 21[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 21We intend to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of people. |
| 22[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 22We have also sent with them our brother whom we have often tested in many ways and found to be dedicated. At present he is more dedicated than ever because he has so much confidence in you. |
| 23[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker on your behalf. Our brothers, emissaries from the churches, are bringing glory to the Messiah. |
| 24[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 24Therefore, demonstrate to the churches that you love them and show them publicly why we boast about you. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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