1 Moreover, brothers, we make known to
you the grace of God which has been given
in the assemblies of Macedonia,

2 how in a severe ordeal of affliction,
the abundance of their joy and their deep
poverty abounded to the riches of their
generosity.

3 For according to their power, I testify,
yes and beyond their power, they gave of
their own accord,

4 begging us with much entreaty to
receive this grace and the fellowship in the
service to the saints.

5 This was not as we had expected, but
firstthey gave their own selves to the Lord,
and to us through the will of God.

6 So we urged Titus, that as he had made
a beginning before, so he would also
complete in you this grace.

7 But as you abound in everything—in
faith, utterance, knowledge, all
earnestness, and in your love
to us—see that you also abound
in this grace.

8 I speak not by way of commandment,
but as proving through the earnestness of
others the sincerity also 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 become rich.

10 I give advice in this: it is expedient for
you who were the first to start a year ago,
not only to do, but also to be willing.

11 But now complete the doing also, that
as there was the readiness to be willing,
so there may be the completion also out of
your ability.

12 For if the readiness is there,
it is acceptable according to what
you have, not according to what
you don’t have.