²⁹ And as any of ^(A)the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the service of ^(B)the brothers living in Judea. ^30 (C)And this they did, sending it ^[a]in charge of ^(D)Barnabas and Saul to the ^(E)elders.

²⁵ But now ^(A)I am going to Jerusalem to ^(B)serve the ^[a]saints. ²⁶ For ^(C)Macedonia and ^(D)Achaia were pleased to ^[b]share with the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. ²⁷ Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For ^(E)if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. ²⁸ Therefore, when I have completed this and ^(F)have ^[c]put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will ^(G)go on by way of you to Spain.

The Collection of Gifts

16 Now concerning ^(A)the collection for ^(B)the saints, as ^(C)I directed the churches of ^(D)Galatia, so do you also. ² On ^(E)the first day of every week each one of you is to ^[a]set something aside, saving whatever he has prospered, so that ^(F)no collections be made when I come. ³ And when I arrive, ^(G)whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem, ⁴ and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.

Generosity and Grace

8 Now brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been ^(A)given in the churches of ^(B)Macedonia, ² that in a great testing by affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the ^(C)richness of their ^[a]generosity. ³ For I testify that ^(D)according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, ⁴ begging us with much urging for the ^(E)grace ^[b]of sharing in the ^(F)ministry to the saints,

God Loves a Cheerful Giver

9 For ^(A)it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ^(B)ministry to the ^[a]saints; ² for I know your readiness, of which I ^(C)boast about you to the ^(D)Macedonians, that ^(E)Achaia has been prepared since ^(F)last year, and your zeal stirred up most of them.

¹² For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying ^(A)the needs of the ^[a]saints, but is also abounding ^(B)through many thanksgivings to God.

¹⁰ Only they asked us to remember the poor—^(A)the very thing I also was eager to do.