⁴ They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.^[a]

¹⁷ “After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God.

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

9 I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem.^[a]

³ When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

¹⁶ We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister^[a] in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

¹⁸ Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

¹⁰ For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers,^[a] as you still do.

¹⁰ Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

²⁵ But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers^[a] there. ²⁶ For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia^[b] have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.

⁵ because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. ⁶ And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.

¹⁰ She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly?^[a] Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?