1Moreover , brethren , we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia ; 2how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3For according to their power , I bear witness , yea and beyond their power , they gave of their own accord , 4beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints: 5and this , not as we had hoped , but first they gave their own selves to the Lord , and to us through the will of God .
The Call to the Corinthians
6Insomuch that we exhorted Titus , that as he had made a beginning before , so he would also complete in you this grace also . 7But as ye abound in everything , in faith , and utterance , and knowledge , and in all earnestness , and in your love to us , see that ye abound in this grace also . 8I speak not by way of commandment , but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. 9For 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 become rich . 10And herein I give my judgment : for this is expedient for you , who were the first to make a beginning a year ago , not only to do , but also to will . 11But now complete the doing also ; that as there was the readiness to will , so there may be the completion also out of your ability . 12For if the readiness is there , it is acceptable according as a man hath , not according as he hath not . 13For I say not this that others may be eased and ye distressed; 14but by equality : your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want , that their abundance also may become a supply for your want ; that there may be equality : 15as it is written , He that gathered much had nothing over ; and he that gathered little had no lack .
Titus as a Messenger
16But thanks be to God , who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus . 17For he accepted indeed our exhortation ; but being himself very earnest , he went forth unto you of his own accord . 18And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is spread through all the churches ; 19and not only so , but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace , which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord , and to show our readiness : 20avoiding this , that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us : 21for we take thought for things honorable , not only in the sight of the Lord , but also in the sight of men. 22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things , but now much more earnest , by reason of the great confidence which he hath in you . 23Whether any inquire about Titus , he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches , they are the glory of Christ . 24Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf .