2 Corinthians 8 — American Standard Version

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;● how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.● For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, `they gave' of their own accord,● beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:● and `this', not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.● Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.● But as ye abound in everything, `in' faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and `in' all earnestness, and `in' your love to us, `see' that ye abound in this grace also.● I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also 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 become rich.● And herein I give `my' judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.● But now complete the doing also; that as `there was' the readiness to will, so `there may be' the completion also out of your ability.● For if the readiness is there, `it is' acceptable according as `a man' hath, not according as `he' hath not.● For `I say' not `this' that others may be eased `and' ye distressed;● but by equality: your abundance `being a supply' at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become `a supply' for your want; that there may be equality:● as it is written, He that `gathered' much had nothing over; and he that `gathered' little had no lack.● But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.● For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord.● And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel `is spread' through all the churches;● and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in `the matter of' this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and `to show' our readiness:● Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in `the matter of' this bounty which is ministered by us:● for we take thought for things honorable, 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 many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which `he hath' in you.● Whether `any inquire' about Titus, `he is' my partner and `my' fellow-worker to you-ward, or our brethren, `they are' the messengers of the churches, `they are' the glory of Christ.● Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.●