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)

⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money^(A) and be content with what you have,^(B) because God has said,

⁶ So we say with confidence,

9 There is no need^(A) for me to write to you about this service^(B) to the Lord’s people.^{(C) 2} For I know your eagerness to help,^(D) and I have been boasting^(E) about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year^(F) you in Achaia^(G) were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,^(A) it is not easily angered,^(B) it keeps no record of wrongs.^(C)

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)