2 Corinthians 8
1Moreover,
brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep
poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3For
to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us
the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5And
this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish
in you the same grace also.
7Therefore, 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.
8I speak not by
commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9For 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.
10And herein 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.
11Now therefore
perform 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.
12For if there be first a willing mind, it
is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14But 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:
15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had
no lack.
16But thanks be to God, which put
the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17For
indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout
all the churches;
19And not that only, but
who was also chosen of 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:
20Avoiding
this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent
in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
23Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning
you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and
of our boasting on your behalf.
