Great Generosity

8 Now, brothers and sisters, we want to tell you about the grace of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [awakening in them a longing to contribute]; ² for during an ordeal of severe distress, their abundant joy and their deep poverty [together] overflowed in the wealth of their lavish generosity. ³ For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily, ⁴ begging us insistently for the privilege of participating in the service for [the support of] the saints [in Jerusalem]. ⁵ Not only [did they give materially] as we had hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His representatives] by the will of God [disregarding their personal interests and giving as much as they possibly could]. ⁶ So we urged Titus that, as he began it, he should also complete this gracious work among you as well.

⁷ But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also. ⁸ I am not saying this as a command [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the enthusiasm of others, the sincerity of your love as well. ⁹ For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed). ¹⁰ I give you my opinion in this matter: this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to take action [to help the believers in Jerusalem], but also [the first] to desire to do it. ¹¹ So now finish this, so that your eagerness in desiring it may be equaled by your completion of it, according to your ability. ¹² For if the eagerness [to give] is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. ¹³ For it is not [intended] that others be relieved [of their responsibility] and that you be ^[a]burdened [unfairly], but ^[b]that there be equality [in sharing the burden]— ¹⁴ at this present time your surplus [over necessities] is going to supply their need, so that [at some other time] their surplus may be given to supply your need, that there may be equality; ¹⁵ as it is written [in Scripture], “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not lack.”^(A)

¹⁶ But thanks be to God who puts the same genuine concern for you in the heart of Titus. ¹⁷ For Titus not only accepted our appeal, but was so very interested in you that he has gone to visit you of his own accord. ¹⁸ And we have sent along with him the ^[c]brother who is praised in the gospel [ministry] throughout all the churches; ¹⁹ and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in regard to this gracious offering which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our eagerness [as believers to help one another]. ²⁰ We are taking precaution so that no one will [find anything with which to] discredit us in our administration of this generous gift. ²¹ For we have regard for what is honorable [and above suspicion], not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. ²² We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found to be diligent in many things, but who is now even more diligent [than ever] because of his great confidence in you. ²³ As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker in your service; and as for the [other two] brothers, they are [special] ^[d]messengers of the churches, a glory and credit to Christ. ²⁴ Therefore, show these men, in the sight of the churches, the proof of your love and our reason for being proud of you.

God Gives Most

9 Now it is unnecessary for me to write to you about the offering [that is to be made] for the saints [in Jerusalem]; ² for I know your eagerness [to promote this cause], and I have [proudly] boasted to the people of Macedonia about it, telling them that ^[e]Achaia has been prepared since last year [for this contribution], and your enthusiasm has inspired the majority of them [to respond]. ³ Still, I am sending the brothers [on to you], so that our pride in you may not be an empty boast in this case, and so that you may be prepared, just as I told them you would be; ⁴ otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of yourselves—will be humiliated for being so confident. ⁵ That is why I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you [before I come] and make arrangements in advance for this generous, previously promised gift of yours, so that it would be ready, not as something extorted [or wrung out of you], but as a [voluntary and] generous gift.

⁶ Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows ^[f]generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap ^[g]generously [and be blessed]. ⁷ Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].^{(B) 8} And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. ⁹ As it is written and forever remains written,

¹⁰ Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love].^{(D) 11} You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit]. ¹² For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God. ¹³ Because of this act of ministry, ^[h]they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation [in this gift] for them and for all [the other believers in need], ¹⁴ and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace [His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed] in you. ¹⁵ Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]!