¹⁰ They honored us^(A) in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

⁶ We were not looking for praise from people,^(A) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles^(B) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.^(C)

¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs^(A) according to the riches of his glory^(B) in Christ Jesus.

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(A) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(B) whether living in plenty or in want.^(C)

³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.^{(A) 33} But seek first his kingdom^(B) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.^{(C) 34} Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

¹⁷ The elders^(A) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,^(B) especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”^[a](C) and “The worker deserves his wages.”^[b](D)

³ Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.^{(A) 4} But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents,^(B) for this is pleasing to God.^(C)

⁵ So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers^(A) to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift,^(B) not as one grudgingly given.^(C)

Generosity Encouraged

⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.^{(D) 7} Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,^(E) not reluctantly or under compulsion,^(F) for God loves a cheerful giver.^{(G) 8} And God is able^(H) to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,^(I) you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food^(L) will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.^{(M) 11} You will be enriched^(N) in every way so that you can be generous^(O) on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.^(P)

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) 5} And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. ⁶ So we urged^(F) Titus,^(G) just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion^(H) this act of grace on your part.