Chapter 8
1 Moreover , brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia ,
2 how in a severe ordeal of affliction , the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.
3 For according to their power , I testify , yes and beyond their power , they gave of their own accord ,
4 begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.
5 This was not as we had expected , but first they gave their own selves to the Lord , and to us through the will of God .
6 So we urged Titus , that as he had made a beginning before , so he would also complete in you this grace .
7 But as you abound in everything — in faith , utterance , knowledge , all earnestness , and in your love to us —see that you also abound in this grace .
8 I speak not by way of commandment , but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ , that though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor , that you through his poverty might become rich .
10 I give advice in this : it is expedient for you who were the first to start a year ago , not only to do , but also to be willing .
11 But now complete the doing also , that as there was the readiness to be willing , so there may be the completion also out of your ability .
12 For if the readiness is there , it is acceptable according to what you have , not according to what you don’ t have .
13 For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed,
14 but for equality . Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack , that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack , that there may be equality .
15 As it is written , " He who gathered much had nothing left over , and he who gathered little had no lack ."
16 But thanks be to God , who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus .
17 For he indeed accepted our exhortation , but being himself very earnest , he went out to you of his own accord .
18 We have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the Good News is known throughout all the assemblies .
19 Not only so , but he was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this grace , which is served by us to the glory of the Lord himself , and to show our readiness .
20 We are avoiding this , that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us .
21 Having regard for honourable things , not only in the sight of the Lord , but also in the sight of men.
22 We have sent with them our brother whom we have many times proved earnest in many things , but now much more earnest , by reason of the great confidence which he has in you .
23 As for Titus , he is my partner and fellow worker for you . As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the assemblies , the glory of Christ .
24 Therefore show the proof of your love to them before the assemblies , and of our boasting on your behalf .