Anderson(i)
1 We make known to you, brethren, God's gracious gift, which has been given in the churches of Macedonia;
2 that under an afflicting trial, their overflowing joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality;
3 for I testify that according to their power, and beyond their power, they gave voluntarily,
4 beseeching us, with much entreaty, that they might give, and take part in the ministering to the saints;
5 and they did this, not only as we had hoped, but they gave them selves first to the Lord, and then to us, through the will of God;
6 so that we exhorted Titus, that, as he had previously begun, so he would bring to an end this gift among you also.
7 Now as you excel in every thing, in faith, and in speech, and in knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gift also.
8 I do not speak this as a commandment, but on account of the zeal of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet, for your sakes, he became poor, that you, through his poverty, might become rich.