¹⁴ Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

¹⁶ And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

³⁴ You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

⁷ So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.

¹⁸ At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.

⁶ Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.

¹⁸ But the Lord told him, ‘You wanted to build the Temple to honor my name. Your intention is good,

¹⁸ Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

Caring for the Lord’s Workers

⁵ Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. ⁶ They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. ⁷ For they are traveling for the Lord,^[a] and they accept nothing from people who are not believers.^{[b] 8} So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.

¹⁰ Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.

¹¹ Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?