²⁶ For ^(A)it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.

Excel in Giving

8 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: ² that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and ^(A)their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. ³ For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, ⁴ imploring us with much urgency ^[a]that we would receive the gift and ^(B)the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. ⁵ And not only as we had hoped, but they first ^(C)gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the ^(D)will of God. ⁶ So ^(E)we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. ⁷ But as ^(F)you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see ^(G)that you abound in this grace also.

Christ Our Pattern

^8 (H)I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, ^(I)that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become ^(J)rich.

Relief to Judea

²⁷ And in these days ^(A)prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ Then one of them, named ^(B)Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of ^(C)Claudius Caesar. ²⁹ Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send ^(D)relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. ^30 (E)This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

¹² For the administration of this service not only ^(A)supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,

² for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a ^(A)year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.