¹³ By all this we are encouraged.

In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus^(A) was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. ¹⁴ I had boasted to him about you,^(B) and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus^(C) has proved to be true as well. ¹⁵ And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient,^(D) receiving him with fear and trembling.^{(E) 16} I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.^(F)

The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian^(G) churches. ² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.^{(H) 3} For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,^(I) and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing^(J) in this service^(K) to the Lord’s people.^{(L) 5} And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. ⁶ So we urged^(M) Titus,^(N) just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion^(O) this act of grace on your part.