Paul's LettersNew Testament
Chapter 8· Book VIII of 27
1Verse 1. Open verse actions.Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia; 2Verse 2. Open verse actions.how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality. 3Verse 3. Open verse actions.For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, 4Verse 4. Open verse actions.begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints. 5Verse 5. Open verse actions.This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. 6Verse 6. Open verse actions.So we urged Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace. 7Verse 7. Open verse actions.But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace. 8Verse 8. Open verse actions.I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. 9Verse 9. Open verse actions.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. 10Verse 10. Open verse actions.I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing. 11Verse 11. Open verse actions.But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability. 12Verse 12. Open verse actions.For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have. 13Verse 13. Open verse actions.For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed, 14Verse 14. Open verse actions.but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality. 15Verse 15. Open verse actions.As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” 16Verse 16. Open verse actions.But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17Verse 17. Open verse actions.For he indeed accepted our exhortation, but being himself very earnest, he went out to you of his own accord. 18Verse 18. Open verse actions.We have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the Good News is known through all the assemblies. 19Verse 19. Open verse actions.Not only so, but who was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this grace, which is served by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and to show our readiness. 20Verse 20. Open verse actions.We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us. 21Verse 21. Open verse actions.Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22Verse 22. Open verse actions.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 has in you. 23Verse 23. Open verse actions.As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ. 24Verse 24. Open verse actions.Therefore show the proof of your love to them in front of the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.