 8:1  Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God
bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
 8:2  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of
their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of
their liberality.
 8:3  For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond
[their] power [they were] willing of themselves;
 8:4  Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the
gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to
the saints.
 8:5  And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave
their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
 8:6  Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so
he would also finish in you the same grace also.
 8:7  Therefore, 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.
 8:8  I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the
forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
 8:9  For 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.
 8:10  And 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.
 8:11  Now 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.
 8:12  For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted
according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he
hath not.
 8:13  For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and ye
burdened:
 8:14  But 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:
 8:15  As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had
nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no lack.
 8:16  But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care
into the heart of Titus for you.
 8:17  For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more
forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
 8:18  And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is]
in the gospel throughout all the churches;
 8:19  And 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:
 8:20  Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this
abundance which is administered by us:
 8:21  Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of
the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
 8:22  And 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.
 8:23  Whether [any do inquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner
and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be inquired
of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory
of Christ.
 8:24  Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the
proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
