¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit^[a] that accumulates to your account.^(A)

¹⁴ And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.

¹⁰ For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the^[a] love that you showed for his sake^[b] in serving the saints, as you still do.^(A)

⁹ As it is written,

¹⁰ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.^{[b] 11} You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us, ¹² for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. ¹³ Through the testing of this ministry you^[c] glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your partnership with them and with all others,^(B)

⁷ For a bishop,^[a] as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain,^(A)

⁵ As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed,^(A)

¹¹ Not that I am referring to being in need, for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.^(A)

⁸ My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become^[a] my disciples.^(A)

² to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight,^[a] not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it,^[b] not for sordid gain but eagerly.^(A)

⁵ So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for this bountiful gift that you have promised, so that it may be ready as a bountiful gift and not as an extortion.