Collection for the Jerusalem Church

16 Now about the collection^(A) for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian^(B) churches. ² On the first day of the week,^(C) each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.^{(D) 3} When I arrive, I will send with letters^(E) those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.^{(F) 4} If it is suitable for me to go as well, they will travel with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

⁵ I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia^(G)—for I will be traveling through Macedonia— ⁶ and perhaps I will remain with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go. ⁷ I don’t want to see you now just in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.^(H)

Appeal to Complete the Collection

8 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches^(A) of Macedonia:^{(B) 2} During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.^{(C) 3} I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, ⁴ they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing^(D) in the ministry to the saints, ⁵ and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will.^{(E) 6} So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete among you this act of grace.

⁷ Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge,^(F) and in all diligence, and in your love for us^[a]—excel also in this act of grace. ⁸ I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich,^(G) for your sake he became poor,^(H) so that by his poverty you might become rich. ¹⁰ And in this matter I am giving advice because it is profitable for you, who began last year not only to do something but also to want to do it.^{(I) 11} Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have. ¹² For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.^{(J) 13} It is not that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality.^{[b] 14} At the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may in turn meet your need, in order that there may be equality. ¹⁵ As it is written: The person who had much did not have too much, and the person who had little did not have too little.^[c](K)