1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;studyinterlinear
2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.studyinterlinear
3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;studyinterlinear
4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.studyinterlinear
5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.studyinterlinear
6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.studyinterlinear
7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.studyinterlinear
8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.studyinterlinear
9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.studyinterlinear
10And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.studyinterlinear
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 ye have.studyinterlinear
12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.studyinterlinear
13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:studyinterlinear
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:studyinterlinear
15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.studyinterlinear
16But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.studyinterlinear
17For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.studyinterlinear
18And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;studyinterlinear
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 declaration of your ready mind:studyinterlinear
20Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:studyinterlinear
21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.studyinterlinear
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.studyinterlinear
23Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.studyinterlinear
24Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.studyinterlinear