Jubilee2000 - II Corinthians - 8

8:1  Likewise, brethren, we make known unto you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia,

8:2  how that in a great trial of tribulation the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

8:3  For to [their] power, I bear record, and even beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves,

8:4  praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the grace and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministry to the saints.

8:5  And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord and [then] unto us by the will of God.

8:6  Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete among you the same grace also.

8:7  Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing], in faith and in word and in knowledge and in all diligence and in your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.

8:8  I speak not as commanding, but by occasion of the diligence of others and to prove the sincerity of your charity.

8:9  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 enriched.

8:10  And in this I give [my] advice, for this is expedient for you, who began not only to do, but also to be diligent a year ago.

8:11  Now therefore finish the doing [of it] that as [there was] a readiness to will, so [there may] also [be] a performance out of that which ye have.

8:12  For if there is first a willing desire, [it is] accepted according to what a person has [and] not according to what they do not have.

8:13  For [I mean] not that others be eased and ye burdened,

8:14  but by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want, that there may be equality:

8:15  As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing over, and he that [had gathered] little had no lack.

8:16  But thanks [be] to God, who put the same diligence into the heart of Titus for you.

8:17  For indeed he accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, of his own accord he went unto you.

8:18  And we have sent with him the brother whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches,

8:19  and not [that] only, but who was also ordained by the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord and [declaration of] your ready desire,

8:20  avoiding that anyone should blame us regarding this abundance which is ministered by us,

8:21  providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

8:22  And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which [we have] in you.

8:23  Regarding Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you; or regarding our brethren, [they are] the apostles of the churches [and] the glory of Christ.

8:24  Therefore show ye unto them before the churches, the proof of your charity and of our glorying regarding you.: