| 1 | Moreover , brethren , we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia ; |
| 2 | How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality . |
| 3 | For to [their] power , I bear record , yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves ; |
| 4 | Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift , and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints . |
| 5 | And [this they did], not as we hoped , but first gave their own selves to the Lord , and unto us by the will of God . |
| 6 | Insomuch that we desired Titus , that as he had begun , so he would also finish in you the same grace also . |
| 7 | Therefore , 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 . |
| 8 | I speak not by commandment , but by occasion of the forwardness of others , and to prove the sincerity of your love . |
| 9 | For 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 . |
| 10 | And 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 . |
| 11 | Now 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 . |
| 12 | For if there be first a willing mind , [it is] accepted according to that a man hath , [and] not according to that he hath not . |
| 13 | For [I mean] not that other men be eased , and ye burdened : |
| 14 | But 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 : |
| 15 | As it is written , He that [had gathered ] much had nothing over ; and he that [had gathered ] little had no lack . |
| 16 | But thanks [be] to God , which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you . |
| 17 | For indeed he accepted the exhortation ; but being more forward , of his own accord he went unto you . |
| 18 | And we have sent with him the brother , whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches ; |
| 19 | And 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 : |
| 20 | Avoiding this , that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us : |
| 21 | Providing for honest things , not only in the sight of the Lord , but also in the sight of men . |
| 22 | And 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 . |
| 23 | Whether [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 . |
| 24 | Wherefore shew ye to them , and before the churches , the proof of your love , and of our boasting on your behalf . |
