²⁹ So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, ^(A)to send relief to ^(B)the brothers^[a] living in Judea.

¹² For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable ^(A)according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. ¹³ For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness ¹⁴ your abundance at the present time should supply ^(B)their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.

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

² for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and ^(A)their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. ³ For they gave ^(B)according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, ⁴ begging us earnestly ^(C)for the favor^[a] of taking part in ^(D)the relief of the saints—

The Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning^{[a] (A)}the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. ² On ^(B)the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, ^(C)as he may prosper, ^(D)so that there will be no collecting when I come.

⁵ Keep your life ^(A)free from love of money, and ^(B)be content with what you have, for he has said, ^(C)“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ⁶ So we can confidently say,

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

9 Now ^(A)it is superfluous for me to write to you about ^(B)the ministry for the saints, ² for I know your readiness, ^(C)of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready ^(D)since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.

⁵ or rude. It ^(A)does not insist on its own way; it ^(B)is not irritable or resentful;^[a]

²⁵ At present, however, ^(A)I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. ²⁶ For ^(B)Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. ²⁷ For they were pleased to do it, and indeed ^(C)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 blessings.