Bible, King James Version
2_Corinthians
2Cor.8
[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of
God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
[2] How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance
of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of
their liberality.
[3] For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond
their power they were willing of themselves;
[4] Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive
the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to
the saints.
[5] 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.
[6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun,
so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
[7] 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.
[8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the
forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your
love.
[9] 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.
[10] 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.
[11] 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.
[12] 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.
[13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye
burdened:
[14] 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:
[15] As it is written, He that had gathered much had
nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
[16] But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care
into the heart of Titus for you.
[17] For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being
more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
[18] And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise
is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
[19] 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:
[20] Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this
abundance which is administered by us:
[21] Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of
the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
[22] 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.
[23] Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and
fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they
are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
[24] 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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