8

1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of :God :given in the churches of :Macedonia; 2 how that in much proof of tribulation the abundance of their :joy and their deep :poverty abounded unto the riches even of their †:liberality. 3 For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond power, they gave of their own accord, 4 beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of the grace and the fellowship in the ministry to the saints: 5 and, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through God’s will. 6 Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had begun afore, so he would also complete unto you this grace also. 7 But just as ye abound in everything, in faith, and word and knowledge, and all diligence and our :love in you, see that ye abound in this :grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your :love. 9 For ye know the grace of our :Lord Jesus Christ, that, being rich, for you he became poor, that ye by his :poverty might become rich. 10 And herein I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who began afore a year ago, not only :to do, but also :to will. 11 But now complete the doing also; so that as the readiness :to will, so be the completion also out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as one hath, not according as he hath not. 13 For I speak not that others have ease and ye tribulation; 14 but by equality: your :abundance being at this present :season for their :want, that their :abundance also be unto your :want; that there be equality: 15 as it is written, He with much had nothing over; and he with the little had no lack. 16 But thanks be to :God, who putteth the same diligence for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he accepted indeed the exhortation; but being himself more diligent, he went forth unto you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent along with him the brother whose :praise in the gospel is through all the churches; 19 and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches as our fellow-traveler in this :grace, which is ministered by us unto the glory of the Lord, and showing our readiness: 20 avoiding this, that any man should blame us in this :bounty :ministered by us: 21 for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the Lord’s sight, but also in men’s sight. 22 And we have sent with them our :brother, whom we have often proved to be diligent in many things, but now more diligent by the great confidence unto you. 23 Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker toward you; or our :brethren, they are messengers of the churches, Christ’s glory. 24 †Show therefore unto them in face of the churches the proof of your :love, and of our glorying on your behalf.