1It is indeed unnecessary for me to write you in regard to the ministration to the saints at Jerusalem, 2for I know how ready you are, and am always boasting about you to the Macedonians, telling them that Greece has been ready for a year past; and your zeal has been a spur to the majority of them. 3Nevertheless I am sending the brothers in order that my boast about you may not prove vain in this instance; so that, as I kept saying, you may be prepared. 4For if any Macedonians come with me and find you not ready, shame would come upon me (not to speak of you) in respect to this confidence. 5So I have thought that I must ask these brothers to visit you beforehand, and get your promised contribution ready in advance. I want it to be given of your bounty, not extorted from your covetousness. 6Mark this; he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7But let each give according to the purpose of his heart; not grudgingly of under compulsion. It is a cheerful giver that God loves. 8And God is able to give you an overflowing measure of every grace, so that all your wants of every kind may be supplied at all times, and you may give of your abundance to every good work; 9As it is written. He scattered broadcast, he gave to the poor; His almsgiving continues forever. 10He who ever supplies seed to the sower, and bread for the food of man, will supply and make plentous your seed, and increase the harvest springing up from your almsgiving. 11You yourselves will be enriched with all good things, that you may give ungrudgingly; and your gifts, of which I am the agent, will make men give thanks to God. 12Because the ministry of this contribution not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also overflows in many a thanksgiving to God. 13For this ministration proves you. On account of it men glorify God for your faithfulness to your professions of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your gifts to them and to all. 14Moreover, in their prayers for you they will be longing after you, because of the exceeding grace of God that is resting upon you. 15THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT!