8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God
bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
8:2 That in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their
joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their
liberality.
8:3 For to [their] power, I bear testimony, and even beyond
[their] power, [they were] willing of themselves;
8:4 Praying us with much entreaty, that we would receive the
gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to
the saints.
8:5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their
own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God:
8:6 So that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would
also finish in you the same grace also.
8:7 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.
8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the
forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
8:9 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.
8:10 And in this 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.
8:11 Now therefore finish 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.
8:12 For if there is first a willing mind, [it is] accepted
according to what a man hath, [and] not according to what he
hath not.
8:13 For [I mean] not that other men should be eased, and you
burdened:
8:14 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:
8:15 As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing
over; and he that [had gathered] little had no want.
8:16 But thanks [be] to God, who put the same earnest care into
the heart of Titus for you.
8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more
forward, of his own accord he went to you.
8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in
the gospel throughout all the churches;
8:19 And not [that] only, but who was also chosen by 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:
8:20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this
abundance which is administered by us:
8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the
Lord, but also in the sight of men.
8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often
proved [to be] diligent in many things, but now much more
diligent, upon the great confidence which [I have] in you.
8:23 If [any inquire] concerning Titus, [he is] my partner and
fellow-helper concerning you: or our brethren [be inquired of],
[they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of
Christ.
8:24 Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the
proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
|