¹⁷ Now after some years I came to bring alms to my people and to offer sacrifices.^(A)

¹⁰ They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was^[a] eager to do.^(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) 28} So, when I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected,^[a] I will set out by way of you to Spain,

Encouragement to Be Generous

8 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia, 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)

²⁹ The disciples determined that, according to their ability, each would send relief to the brothers and sisters living in Judea;^{(A) 30} this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.^(B)

¹² for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.

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)

⁹ For you know the generous act^[a] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.^(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) 3} And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

³¹ that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my ministry^[a] to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,