2 Corinthians 8:1-5 ▼

1 Now, brothers and sisters, we want to tell you about the grace of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [awakening in them a longing to contribute];

2 for during an ordeal of severe distress, their abundant joy and their deep poverty [together] overflowed in the wealth of their lavish generosity.

3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily,

4 begging us insistently for the privilege of participating in the service for [the support of] the saints [in Jerusalem].

5 Not only [did they give materially] as we had hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His representatives] by the will of God [disregarding their personal interests and giving as much as they possibly could].