Excel in Giving

8 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

²⁹ To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me ^(A)mightily.

¹⁰ and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, ^(A)that you increase more and more;

¹⁰ But ^(A)by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, ^(B)yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

⁹ And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A ^(A)man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

Purpose of the Mystery

⁸ To me, ^(A)who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles ^(B)the unsearchable riches of Christ,

² that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and ^(A)their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. ³ For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, ⁴ imploring us with much urgency ^[a]that we would receive the gift and ^(B)the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. ⁵ And not only as we had hoped, but they first ^(C)gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the ^(D)will of God. ⁶ So ^(E)we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. ⁷ But as ^(F)you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see ^(G)that you abound in this grace also.

²⁶ For ^(A)it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.

²³ When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and ^(A)encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

⁷ so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. ⁸ For from you the word of the Lord ^(A)has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also ^(B)in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.