²⁹ The disciples determined that, according to their ability, each would send relief to the brothers and sisters living in Judea;^(A)

³⁰ this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.^(A)

²⁵ At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem in a ministry to the saints,^{(A) 26} for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.^{(B) 27} They were pleased to do this, and indeed they owe it to them, for if the gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material things.^{(C) 28} So, when I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected,^[a] I will set out by way of you to Spain,

Encouragement to Be Generous

8 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia, ² for during a severe ordeal of affliction their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. ³ For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means and even beyond their means, ⁴ begging us earnestly for the favor^[a] of partnering in this ministry to the saints,^(A)

¹⁰ They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was^[a] eager to do.^(A)