MLV(i)
1 Now brethren, we are making known to you the grace of God which has been given in the congregations of Macedonia;
2 because the abundance of their joy in much trial of affliction and according to the depth of their poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.
3 I testify, because according to their power, and yet beyond their power, they gave of their own accord.
4 They were beseeching from us, with much pleading, to help in the favor and the fellowship of the service of relief to the holy-ones;
5 and, not only as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us through the will of God.
6 That we might encourage Titus, in order that just-as he made a beginning, so he might also complete this favor in you.
7 But just-as you are abounding in everything, in faith and in word and in knowledge and in all diligence and in the love from you to us, see that you also may abound in this favor.
8 I do not speak according to commandment, but I am testing the genuineness of your love through the diligence of others.
9 For you know the favor of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet he became-poor because of you, in order that you might be enriched through that poverty.