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want you to know, brothers about the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia. 2 For during a severe trial of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they voluntarily gave according to their ability, and even beyond their ability. 4 Then they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints, 5 and not merely as we had hoped. For they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, in keeping with the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier begun, so he should also complete this act of grace on your part. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost earnestness, and in your love for us—so we want you to also excel in this grace.
8 I do not say this as a command, but I want to test the genuineness of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich.
10 And in this matter I give you my advice: It is desirable for you to continue what you began a year ago with such earnest desire. 11 But now finish the task, so that your willingness to do it is matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness if there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 13 I do not mean that there should be relief for others while you are burdened, but that there might be equality. 14 For at the present time your abundance will supply their need, and in time their abundance may also be available to supply your need. Then there will be equality, 15 as it is written,
“He who gathered much did not have too much,
and he who gathered little did not have too little”.
16 Thanks be to God who put into the heart of Titus the same eagerness for you that I have. 17 For he not only welcome to our appeal, but since he is even more enthusiastic, he is coming to you on his own initiative. 18 With him we are sending the brother who is praised throughout the churches for his service to the gospel ministry. 19 And not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gift, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20 We want to avoid any criticism about the way we administer this generous gift, 21 for we are trying hard to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.
22 We are also sending with them our brother whom we have often tested and found diligent in many circumstances, and even more so because of the great confidence which we have in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker in your service; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches for the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore, before the churches, show these men the proof of your love and of our boasting about you.