¹ Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

² That in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality.

³ For to [their] power, I bear testimony, and even beyond [their] power, [they were] willing of themselves;

⁴ Praying us with much entreaty, that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

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:

⁶ So that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

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 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

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.

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.

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.

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.

¹³ For [I mean] not that other men should be eased, and you burdened:

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:

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

¹⁶ But thanks [be] to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

¹⁷ For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went to you.

¹⁸ And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches;

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:

²⁰ Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

²¹ Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

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.

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.

²⁴ Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.