Lamsa(i)
4 And besought us most earnestly that they might be partakers in the gift for the ministration to the saints.
5 And this they did, not only as we expected, but first they gave themselves to our LORD, and then to us by the will of God.
6 Insomuch as we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish this same gift among you.
7 Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, in the word of God, in knowledge, in all perseverance, and by our love toward you, you should likewise excel in this gracious favor also.
8 I am not making a demand on you, but I am prompted by the devotion of your fellow believers to test the sincerity of your love.
9 For you know the gracious gift of our LORD Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might be rich.
10 Herein I give you my advice: that it may help you to go forward and accomplish what you, of your own accord, began to do last year.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of that which you wished to do; and as you were eager to promise it, so fulfil from that which you have.
12 For if there is a willingness to give, every man can give according to that which he has, and not according to that which he has not, and his gift will be acceptable.
13 This is not intended to relieve other men and add a burden to you;
14 But that there may be an equality at this particular time, that 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.
15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.