2 Corinthians 8:1-9

Christian Standard Bible

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.