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.