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

¹² For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.^{(A) 13} For I do not mean that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality between ¹⁴ your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality.

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

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)

The Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia.^{(A) 2} On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come.^(B)

⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”^{(A) 6} So we can say with confidence,

The Collection for Christians at Jerusalem

9 Now it is not necessary for me to write you about the ministry to the saints, ² for I know your eagerness, which is the subject of my boasting about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.^(A)

⁵ or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs;^(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)

²⁶ and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”^(A)