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,

²⁹ For this ^(A)I toil, ^(B)struggling ^(C)with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

¹⁰ for that indeed is what ^(A)you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to ^(B)do this more and more,

⁹ And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, ^(A)I worked harder than any of them, ^(B)though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

²³ When he came and saw ^(A)the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord ^(B)with steadfast purpose,

⁷ so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. ⁸ For not only has the word of the Lord ^(A)sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth ^(B)everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

⁸ To me, ^(A)though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, ^(B)to preach to the Gentiles the ^(C)unsearchable ^(D)riches of Christ,

⁹ And when I was with you and was ^(A)in need, ^(B)I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia ^(C)supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain ^(D)from burdening you in any way.

¹² For the ministry of this service is not only supplying ^(A)the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.