Encouragement to Give Generously

We want you to know, brothers,[a] about the grace of God that has been (A)given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and (B)their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave (C)according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly (D)for the favor[b] of taking part in (E)the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they (F)gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:1 Or brothers and sisters
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:4 The Greek word charis can mean favor or grace or thanks, depending on the context

The Collection for the Lord’s People

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian(A) churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.(B) For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,(C) and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing(D) in this service(E) to the Lord’s people.(F) And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

Read full chapter

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

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.

Read full chapter