¹⁷ “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor^(A) and to present offerings.

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.

²⁵ Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem^(A) in the service^(B) of the Lord’s people^(C) there. ²⁶ For Macedonia^(D) and Achaia^(E) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.^{(F) 27} They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.^{(G) 28} So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain^(H) and visit you on the way.

The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian^(A) churches. ² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.^{(B) 3} For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,^(C) and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing^(D) in this service^(E) to the Lord’s people.^(F)

²⁹ The disciples,^(A) as each one was able, decided to provide help^(B) for the brothers and sisters^(C) living in Judea. ³⁰ This they did, sending their gift to the elders^(D) by Barnabas^(E) and Saul.^(F)