2 Corinthians, 8

[1] Now we make known unto you, brethren, the grace of God that hath been given in the churches of Macedonia. •

[2] That in much experience of tribulation, they have had abundance of joy and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their simplicity ¹. •

[3] For according to their power (I bear them witness) and beyond their power, they were willing:

[4] With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of the ministry that is done toward the saints. •

[5] And not as we hoped: but they gave their own selves, first to the Lord, then to us by the will of God; •

[6] Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that, as he had begun, so also he would finish among you this same grace. •

[7] That as in all things you abound in faith and word and knowledge and all carefulness, moreover also in your charity towards us: so in this grace also you may abound.

[8] I speak not as commanding: but by the carefulness of others, approving also the good disposition of your charity. •

[9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor for your sakes: that through his poverty you might be rich.

[10] And herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you who have begun not only to do but also to be willing, a year ago. •

[11] Now therefore perform ye it also in deed: that as your mind is forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which you have.

[12] For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath: not according to that which he hath not.

[13] For I mean not that others should be eased and you burdened, but by an equality. •

[14] In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want: that there may be an equality, •

[15] As it is written: He that had much had nothing over; and he that had little had no want. •

[16] And thanks be to God, who hath given the same carefulness for you in the heart of Titus. •

[17] For indeed he accepted the exhortation: but, being more careful, of his own will he went unto you.

[18] We have sent also with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel through all the churches. •

[19] And not that only: but he was also ordained by the churches companion of our travels, for this grace, which is administered by us, to the glory of the Lord and our determined will: •

[20] Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us.

[21] For we forecast what may be good, not only before God but also before men. •

[22] And we have sent with them our brother also, whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent: with much confidence in you, •

[23] Either for Titus, who is my companion and fellow labourer towards you, or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ. •

[24] Wherefore shew ye to them, in the sight of the churches, the evidence of your charity and of our boasting on your behalf.