| 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. |
