Generosity Commended
1 Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God, which has been given in the churches of Macedonia. 2 During a severe testing by affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the riches of their generosity. 3 For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, 4 begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints. 5 This was not as we had expected, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun before, so he would also complete in you this grace.
7 But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace. 8 I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
Christ’s Example
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that through his poverty you might become rich. 10 I give my judgment in this, for this is expedient for you who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do it, but also to be willing to do it. 11 But now complete the task as well, that as you were ready and willing, so, with your ability, you may also complete it. 12 For if you are ready, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you do not have. 13 For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed, 14 but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack, that there may be equality. 15 As it is written,
“He who gathered much had nothing left over,
and he who gathered little had no lack.” a
Titus Commended
16 But thanks be to God, who put the same concern I have for you, into the heart of Titus. 17 For he indeed accepted our exhortation, but being himself very earnest, he went out to you of his own accord.
18 We are sending, together with Titus, the brother whose praises are known throughout all the churches for his work in spreading the Gospel. 19 Not only this, but he was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in this grace, which is served by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and to show our readiness.
20 We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us, 21 having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, because of the great confidence which he has in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore show the proof of your love to them before the churches, and of our boasting on your behalf.