1. Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,
2. that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity.
3. For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily,
4. begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints.
5. And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.