Appeal to Complete the Collection

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches(A) of Macedonia:(B) 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) I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing(D) in the ministry to the saints, and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will.(E)

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Encouragement to give generously

Brothers and sisters, we want to let you know about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia. While they were being tested by many problems, their extra amount of happiness and their extreme poverty resulted in a surplus of rich generosity. I assure you that they gave what they could afford and even more than they could afford, and they did it voluntarily. They urgently begged us for the privilege[a] of sharing in this service for the saints. They even exceeded our expectations, because they gave themselves to the Lord first and to us, consistent with God’s will.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:4 Or grace