8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 8:2 That in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality. 8:3 For to [their] power, I bear testimony, and even beyond [their] power, [they were] willing of themselves; 8:4 Praying us with much entreaty, that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 8:5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God: 8:6 So that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 8:7 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. 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 8:9 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. 8:10 And in this 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. 8:11 Now therefore finish 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. 8:12 For if there is first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to what a man hath, [and] not according to what he hath not. 8:13 For [I mean] not that other men should be eased, and you burdened: 8:14 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: 8:15 As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no want. 8:16 But thanks [be] to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went to you. 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches; 8:19 And not [that] only, but who was also chosen by 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: 8:20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often proved [to be] diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which [I have] in you. 8:23 If [any inquire] concerning Titus, [he is] my partner and fellow-helper concerning you: or our brethren [be inquired of], [they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ. 8:24 Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.