He exhorts them to contribute bountifully to relieve the poor of
Jerusalem.
8:1. Now we make known unto you, brethren, the grace of God that hath
been given in the churches of Macedonia.
8:2. That in much experience of tribulation, they have had abundance of
joy and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their
simplicity.
Simplicity. . .That is, sincere bounty and charity.
8:3. For according to their power (I bear them witness) and beyond
their power, they were willing:
8:4. With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of
the ministry that is done toward the saints.
8:5. And not as we hoped: but they gave their own selves, first to the
Lord, then to us by the will of God;
8:6. Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that, as he had begun, so also he
would finish among you this same grace.
8:7. That as in all things you abound in faith and word and knowledge
and all carefulness, moreover also in your charity towards us: so in
this grace also you may abound.
8:8. I speak not as commanding: but by the carefulness of others,
approving also the good disposition of your charity.
8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich
he became poor for your sakes: that through his poverty you might be
rich.
8:10. And herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you who
have begun not only to do but also to be willing, a year ago.
8:11. Now therefore perform ye it also in deed: that as your mind is
forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which
you have.
8:12. For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that
which a man hath: not according to that which he hath not.
8:13. For I mean not that others should be eased and you burdened, but
by an equality.
8:14. In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that
their abundance also may supply your want: that there may be an
equality,
8:15. As it is written: He that had much had nothing over; and he that
had little had no want.
8:16. And thanks be to God, who hath given the same carefulness for you
in the heart of Titus.
8:17. For indeed he accepted the exhortation: but, being more careful,
of his own will he went unto you.
8:18. We have sent also with him the brother whose praise is in the
gospel through all the churches.
8:19. And not that only: but he was also ordained by the churches
companion of our travels, for this grace, which is administered by us,
to the glory of the Lord and our determined will:
8:20. Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance
which is administered by us.
8:21. For we forecast what may be good, not only before God but also
before men.
8:22. And we have sent with them our brother also, whom we have often
proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent: with much
confidence in you,
8:23. Either for Titus, who is my companion and fellow labourer towards
you, or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of
Christ.
8:24. Wherefore shew ye to them, in the sight of the churches, the
evidence of your charity and of our boasting on your behalf.