⁶ So we urged^(A) Titus,^(B) just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion^(C) this act of grace on your part.

¹⁸ I urged^(A) Titus^(B) to go to you and I sent our brother^(C) with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit?

¹⁹ What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us^(A) as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.^(B)

⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing^(A) in this service^(B) to the Lord’s people.^(C)

Titus Sent to Receive the Collection

¹⁶ Thanks be to God,^(A) who put into the heart^(B) of Titus^(C) the same concern I have for you. ¹⁷ For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.^(D)

¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,^(A) as faithful^(B) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

¹⁸ I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus^(A) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant^(B) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

⁵ So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers^(A) to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift,^(B) not as one grudgingly given.^(C)