2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Expanded Bible

Christian Giving

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace God gave the churches in Macedonia [1:16]. ² Although they have been tested by great ·troubles [trials; tribulation] ·and are very poor, they gave much because of their great joy [^Ltheir deep poverty and abundant joy overflowed into rich generosity]. ³ I can ·tell you [testify] that they gave as much as they were able and even more than they could afford. No one told them to do it. ⁴ But they begged and pleaded with us ·to let them [^Lfor the privilege/grace to] share in this service for ·God’s people [^Tthe saints]. ⁵ And they gave in a way we did not expect: They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us. ·This is what God wants […by the will of God].