Encouragement to Give Generously

We want you to know, brothers,[a] about the grace of God that has been (A)given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and (B)their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave (C)according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly (D)for the favor[b] of taking part in (E)the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they (F)gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:1 Or brothers and sisters
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:4 The Greek word charis can mean favor or grace or thanks, depending on the context

Great Generosity

Now, brothers and sisters, we make known to you the grace of God which has been (A)given in the churches of (B)Macedonia, that in a [a]great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the (C)wealth of their liberality. For I testify that (D)according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily, begging us with much urging for the (E)favor [b]of participation in the [c](F)support of the [d]saints, and this, not as we had [e]expected, but they first (G)gave themselves to the Lord and to us by (H)the will of God.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:2 Or severe test of
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:4 Lit and
  3. 2 Corinthians 8:4 Lit service to the saints
  4. 2 Corinthians 8:4 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  5. 2 Corinthians 8:5 Lit hoped