1 Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has
been given in the assemblies of Macedonia; 2 how that in much proof of
affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the
riches of their liberality. 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 hoped, 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 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 a judgment in this: for this 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 gospel is known
through all the assemblies. 19 Not only so, but who 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 honorable 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 in front of the
assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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