Chapter 8

Now we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God that has been bestowed upon the churches of Macedonia;

where, amid much testing of tribulation, their overflowing joy and their deep poverty have resulted in rich generosity.

For according to their means---I bear witness---yes, beyond their means, they gave,

earnestly begging of us the favor of sharing in the ministry that is in behalf of the saints.

And beyond our expectations they gave themselves, first to the Lord, and then by the will of God to us.

This led us to exhort Titus to complete among you also this same gracious work, of which he had made a beginning before. Exhortation

Now, as you abound in everything---in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all zeal, in your love for us---may you excel in this gracious work also.

I do not speak as commanding, but as testing the sincerity of your own charity by means of the zeal of others.

For you know the graciousness of our Lord Jesus Christ---how, being rich, he became poor for your sakes, that by his poverty you might become rich.

In this matter I am giving advice. It is to your interest, since a year ago you not only began to do, but also to have the will.

Now therefore complete the doing also; so that your readiness to begin it may be equaled by your desire to carry it through, according to your ability.

For if there is willingness, it is welcome according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

For I do not mean that the relief of others should become your burden, but that there should be equality;

that at the present time your abundance may supply their want, and that their abundance may, in its turn, make up what you lack, thus establishing an equality,

as it is written, "He who had much had nothing over, and he who had little had not less." The Mission of Titus

Now thanks be to God, who has inspired Titus with this same zeal for you.

For not only has he accepted our exhortation, but being very zealous himself, he has gone to you of his own choice.

And we have sent along with him the brother whose services to the gospel are praised in all the churches;

and what is more, who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in this work of grace which is being done by us, to the glory of the Lord and to show our own readiness.

We are on our guard, lest anyone should slander us in the matter of our administration of this generous amount.

For we take forethought for what is honorable, not only before God, but also in the sight of men.

And we have sent with them also our brother, whom we have proved to be zealous often and in many things, but who now is more in earnest than ever, because of his great confidence in you,

whether as regards Titus, who is my companion and fellow-worker among you, or as regards our brethren, the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Give them therefore, in the sight of the churches, a proof of your charity and of our boasting on your behalf.