1. For concerning the ministration which is for the saints, it is superfluous my writing to you.
2. For I know your readiness, which I boast of as respects you to Macedonians, that Achaia is prepared since a year ago, and the zeal reported of you has stimulated the mass of the brethren.
3. But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made void in this respect, in order that, as I have said, ye may be prepared;
4. lest haply, if Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, that we say not ye, may be put to shame in this confidence.
5. I thought it necessary therefore to beg the brethren that they would come to you, and complete beforehand your fore-announced blessing, that this may be ready thus as blessing, and not as got out of you.
6. But this is true, he that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that sows in the spirit of blessing shall reap also in blessing:
7. each according as he is purposed in his heart; not grievingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.