Encouragement to Give Generously

8 We want you to know, brothers,^[a] about the grace of God that has been ^(A)given among the churches of Macedonia, ² 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. ³ For they gave ^(C)according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, ⁴ begging us earnestly ^(D)for the favor^[b] of taking part in ^(E)the relief of the saints— ⁵ and this, not as we expected, but they ^(F)gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

^6 (A)but go rather to ^(B)the lost sheep of ^(C)the house of Israel. ⁷ And proclaim as you go, saying, ^(D)‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’^{[a] 8 (E)}Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers,^[b] cast out demons. ^(F)You received without paying; give without pay.

⁸ the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; ^(A)the one who leads,^[a] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with ^(B)cheerfulness.