1Moreover , brethren , we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia ; 2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality . 3For to their power , I bear record , yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves ; 4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift , and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints . 5And this they did , not as we hoped , but first gave their own selves to the Lord , and unto us by the will of God .
The Call to the Corinthians
6Insomuch that we desired Titus , that as he had begun , so he would also finish in you the same grace also . 7Therefore , as ye abound in every thing, in faith , and utterance , and knowledge , and in all diligence , and in your love to us , see that ye abound in this grace also . 8I speak not by commandment , but by occasion of the forwardness of others , and to prove the sincerity 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 be rich . 10And herein I give my advice : for this is expedient for you , who have begun before , not only to do , but also to be forward a year ago . 11Now therefore perform the doing of it ; that as there was a readiness to will , so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have . 12For if there be first a willing mind , it is accepted according to that a man hath , and not according to that he hath not . 13For I mean not that other men be eased , and ye burdened : 14But 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 : 15As it is written , He that had gathered much had nothing over ; and he that had gathered little had no lack .
Titus as a Messenger
16But thanks be to God , which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you . 17For indeed he accepted the exhortation ; but being more forward , of his own accord he went unto you . 18And we have sent with him the brother , whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches ; 19And not that only , but who was also chosen of 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 mind : 20Avoiding this , that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us : 21Providing for honest things , 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 oftentimes proved diligent in many things , but now much more diligent , upon the great confidence which I have in you . 23Whether any do enquire of Titus , he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you : or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches , and the glory of Christ . 24Wherefore shew ye to them , and before the churches , the proof of your love , and of our boasting on your behalf .