1. Now we make known to you, Achim b'Moshiach, the Chen v'Chesed Hashem that was granted to Moshiach's Kehillot of Macedonia,
2. That during a great ordeal of tzoros, their abundant simcha and the extreme depth of their oni (poverty) abounded to the osher (riches) of their generosity [SHEMOT 36:5; Pp 1:29-30; 1Th 1:6; 2:14; 3:3 4];
3. That according to their ability, I give solemn edut, and ad kdei kach (so much) even beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily and of their own accord,
4. Begging us, requesting from us the privilege of participating in giving tzedakah to the Messianic Jewish ministry of the Kadoshim [Ro 15:26; Ac 11:29; 2C 9:1]
5. And this not merely according to tikvateinu. They gave themselves first to Adoneinu and to us [Moshiach's Shlichim] birtzon Hashem (in the will of G-d),
6. So that it was necessary for us to urge Titos that as he began and made a haschala (start) before, so he should complete among you also this mitzvah of avodas kodesh of the Chen v'Chesed Hashem.
7. Now just as you abound in everything --in emunah, in torah, in da'as [1C 1:5] and in all zerizut (diligence) and in our ahavah (love) for you--see also that you excel in this Chen v'Chesed Hashem. [1C 16:1 2]
8. I do not lay this out as a mitzvah, but the sincerity of your ahavah I am testing against the zerizut of others,
9. For you have da'as of the Chen v'Chesed of Adoneinu Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua, who, though being rich, for your sakes, he became poor, [Mt 8:20; Pp 2:6-7] that you by Moshiach's oni (poverty) may become rich.
10. And in this I give my etza (advice): it is tov me'od that last shanah you were the first not only to give tzedakah but also to be willing to do so.