1. Moreover, brethren, we want you to know 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 ability, I bear record, yea, and beyond their ability they were willing of themselves;
4. Begging us with much entreaty 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 expected, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6. So that we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
7. Therefore, as you abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.
8. I speak not by commandment, but to prove by the earnestness of others, the sincerity of your love.
9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich.
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 desire a year ago.