1. Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2. That in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality.
3. For to their power, I bear testimony, and even beyond their power, they were willing of themselves;
4. Praying 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 hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God:
6. So that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
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. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
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.
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.