Moreover, brothers and sisters, we want to make known to you the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,
that in a severe test of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the riches of their generosity.
For I testify that on their own they gave according to their ability, and beyond their ability,
imploring us with much pleading in regard to this grace and the participation in the service to the holy ones.
And they gave, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
Consequently, we urged Titus that as he had previously begun, he should also complete among you this act of grace as well.
Now, just as you excel in everything—in trust, and in word, and in knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you excel in this grace also.
I am not saying this as a command. Rather, I am proving the sincerity of your love also by means of comparing it with the diligence of others.
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 could become rich.
And in this matter I give my counsel, for this is profitable for you, who began a year ago not only to do this but also to desire to do it.
But now finish doing it as well, so that your eagerness in desiring it will be matched by your completing it out of what you have.
For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
For I do not saythis so that others are eased and you pressured, but as a matter of equality;
during this present time your abundance can be a supply for their need, so that their abundance also can be a supply for your need, so that there can be equality.
As it is written, Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.
Commendation of Titus
But thanks be to God, who put the same diligent care for you into the heart of Titus as I have for you.
For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very diligent, he went to you on his own.
And together with him we have sent the brother who is praised for his service in the good news throughout all the churches,
and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord, and which shows our eagerness to help.
We are taking this precaution so that no one will be able to blame us in regard to this abundance that is being administered by us,
for we are concerned for doing what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of man.
And we have sent with them our brother whom we have tested and found diligent many times in many things, but now much more diligent, because of his great confidence in you.
If anyone asks about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you, or if anyone asks about our brothers, they are apostles of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
Therefore, openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our boasting about you.