1And, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given among the churches of Macedonia; 2that in much testing of trouble, the overflowing of their joy, and the depth of their poverty, abounded to the riches of their generosity. 3For I testify [that] according to [their] ability, and beyond their ability; [they] gave willingly; 4with much beseeching, begging us [that they might] receive of us the grace and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints. 5And not as we hoped, but first [they] gave themselves to the Lord, and to us through [the] will of God, 6for us to call on Titus, that even as he began before, so he would also complete this grace to you also. 7But even as you abound in everything, in faith, and in word, and in knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us; you should abound in this grace also. 8I do not speak according to command, but through the eagerness of others, and testing the trueness of your love. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, for your sakes He became poor, in order that you might be made rich through His poverty. 10And in this I give [my] judgment; for this is profitable for you, who began before, not only to do, but also to be willing a year ago. 11But now also finish the doing [of it], so that, as [there was] a readiness to will, so also the finishing, [giving] out of [what] you have. 12For if the eagerness is present, [it is] acceptable according to [what] one has, [and] not according to [what] one does not have. 13For [it is] not that others may [have] ease, but you trouble; 14but by equality in the present time; your abundance for their need, that their abundance also may be for your need; so that there may be equality; 15as it is written, He [gathering] much, he had nothing left over; and he [gathering] little did not have less. 16But thanks [be] to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 17For indeed he accepted the entreaty. But being more earnest, of his own accord he went to you. 18And we have sent with him the brothers whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches; 19and not only [so], but also he having been chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself, and [as a witness of] your eager mind; 20avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us; 21providing for honest things, not only before [the] Lord, but also before men. 22And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest by the great confidence which [I have] in you. 23If anyone inquires of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellow-worker for you, or [of] our brothers, [they are] the messengers of the churches, [the] glory of Christ. 24Therefore show them a proof of your love and of our boasting toward you in the presence of the churches.