¹ NOW concerning the contribution for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you.

² For I know your readiness of mind, for which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia had made preparation a year ago; and your zeal hath stirred up very many.

³ But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying in you might not be vain in this matter; that as I have said, ye may be prepared.

⁴ Lest haply if the Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say, you) may be confounded in this confidence of boasting. I

⁵ have thought it necessary therefore to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and prepare before your promised bounty, that it may be ready as a matter of bounty, and not as extorted of covetousness.

⁶ But this I add, He that soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly, and he that soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully.

⁷ Let every man, as he hath purposed in heart, give, not with reluctance or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.

⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound towards you; that in every case having always all sufficiency, ye may abound unto every good work:

⁹ as it is written, “He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness abideth for ever¹.”

1. Psalm cxii. 9.

¹⁰ Now he that supplieth seed to the sower, shall also supply bread for food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,

¹¹ being in every thing enriched unto all liberality, which causeth by us thanksgiving to God.

¹² For the ministration of this charitable service not only abundantly supplies the deficiencies of the saints, but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God;

¹³ (while by the evidence of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberality towards them, and towards all men;)

¹⁴ and with their prayers for you, greatly longing after you, on account of the transcendent grace of God in you.

¹⁵ Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift.