Chapter 8 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia, how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their
joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
For to their power I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were
willing of themselves, praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the
gift and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the
Lord, and unto us by the will of God, insomuch that we desired Titus,
that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge,
and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others,
and to prove the sincerity of your love.
For 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.
And 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.
Now 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.
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man
hath, and not according to that he hath not.
For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened, but 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.
As it is written, He that hath gathered much hath nothing over, and he that hath
gathered little hath no lack.
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for
you.
For indeed he accepted the exhortation, but being more forward, of his own accord
he went unto you.
And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout
all the churches.
And 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.
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance, which is administered
by us, providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord,
but also in the sight of men.
And 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.
Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper
concerning you.
Or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches,
and the glory of Christ.
Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love,
and of our boasting on your behalf.