Chapter 8

  Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;  

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  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.  

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  For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;  

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  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.  

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  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.  

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  Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.  

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  Therefore, 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.  

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  I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.  

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  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.  

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  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.  

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  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.  

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  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.  

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  For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:  

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  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:  

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  As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no lack.  

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  But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.  

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  For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.  

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  And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches;  

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  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:  

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  Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:  

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  Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.  

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  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.  

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  Whether [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.  

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  Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.  

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