¹ For indeed regarding the ministry to the saints, it is not necessary for me to write to you.

² For I know your eagerness, of which I boast to Macedonia on your behalf, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has aroused the greater number.

³ Yet I sent the brothers, lest our boasting (which is on your behalf) should not be in vain, that, as I said, you may be ready.

⁴ I say this lest perhaps Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared. We (not to say you) would then be put to shame in this confident boasting.

⁵ Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers that they would go forward to you, and make up beforehand your blessing, it having been promised that this would be ready, thus as a matter of blessing, and not as of covetousness.

⁶ But I say this, He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.

⁷ Each one, as he purposes in his heart, let him give; not of grief, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that in everything, always having all self-sufficiency, you may abound to every good work;

⁹ As it is written, "He scattered; he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever."

¹⁰ Now He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for eating, may He supply and multiply your seed, and increase the fruits of your righteousness

¹¹ you being enriched in everything to all generosity, which works out thanksgiving to God through us.

¹² For the ministry of this service not only supplies the things lacking of the saints, but also multiplying through many thanksgivings to God,

¹³ through the proof of this ministry they glorify God for your freely expressed submission to the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of the fellowship toward them and toward all,

¹⁴ and in their prayer for you, who long after you, because of the exceeding grace of God on you.

¹⁵ Thanks be to God for His unspeakable free gift.