2 Corinthians 8

1 Now we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God conferred on the churches of Macedonia: 2 how in a great trial of affliction, their abundant chearfulness and their deep poverty, hath munificently shewn the riches of their bounty. 3 For to power, I bear witness, yea and beyond power, of their own accord: 4 intreating us with much importunity, that we would convey the gift, and a part of the ministration to the saints. 5 And not as we hoped, but first gave themselves unto the Lord, and to us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had already begun, so he would also complete this grace among you. 7 And as ye abound in every faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and all diligence, and your love to us, that ye may abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by way of command, but to prove the sincerity of your love also, by the forwardness of others. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, for your sakes He became poor, that ye by his poverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give my opinion: for this is to your advantage, who not only began to act, but also to be forward above a year ago. 11 Now therefore perfect also the doing it; that as a readiness of will, so also a performance according to your ability. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, any is accepted according to what he hath, not according to what he hath not. 13 For not that others should relief, and you be burdened: 14 but by an equality, that your abundance at this time to their want; and their abundance may be to your want, that there may be an equality: 15 as it is written, “He that much had nothing over, and he that little had no lack." 16 But thanks to God, who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus: 17 for he not only complied with the exhortation, but being more forward he went to you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent along with him the brother, whose praise in the gospel through all the churches: 19 (and not only but he was also chosen by the churches to accompany us with this grace, administered by us for the glory of the same Lord, and your readiness of mind:) 20 taking care that no one might blame us in this large sum which is administered by us: 21 looking to things right not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with them brother of ours, whom we have often proved diligent in many things, and now much more on account of great confidence in you. 23 If then about Titus, my collegue and fellow-laborer among you: and if our brethren the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore shew to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting concerning you.