²⁹ The disciples,^(A) as each one was able, decided to provide help^(B) for the brothers and sisters^(C) living in Judea.

¹² For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has,^(A) not according to what one does not have.

¹³ Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. ¹⁴ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need,^(B) so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality,

¹⁰ All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor,^(A) the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.^{(A) 3} For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,^(B) and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing^(C) in this service^(D) to the Lord’s people.^(E)

The Collection for the Lord’s People

16 Now about the collection^(A) for the Lord’s people:^(B) Do what I told the Galatian^(C) churches to do. ² On the first day of every week,^(D) each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.^(E)