²⁶ For Macedonia^(A) and Achaia^(B) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.^(C)

The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian^(A) churches. ² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.^{(B) 3} For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,^(C) and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing^(D) in this service^(E) to the Lord’s people.^{(F) 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^(G) Titus,^(H) just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion^(I) this act of grace on your part. ⁷ But since you excel in everything^(J)—in faith, in speech, in knowledge,^(K) in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you^[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

⁸ I am not commanding you,^(L) but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. ⁹ For you know the grace^(M) of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(N) that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor,^(O) so that you through his poverty might become rich.^(P)

²⁷ During this time some prophets^(A) came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ One of them, named Agabus,^(B) stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world.^(C) (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)^{(D) 29} The disciples,^(E) as each one was able, decided to provide help^(F) for the brothers and sisters^(G) living in Judea. ³⁰ This they did, sending their gift to the elders^(H) by Barnabas^(I) and Saul.^(J)

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs^(A) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.^(B)

² For I know your eagerness to help,^(A) and I have been boasting^(B) about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year^(C) you in Achaia^(D) were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

⁵ Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:^(A) Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world^(B) to be rich in faith^(C) and to inherit the kingdom^(D) he promised those who love him?^{(E) 6} But you have dishonored the poor.^(F) Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?^(G)

⁵ because I hear about your love for all his holy people^(A) and your faith in the Lord Jesus.^(B)

⁶ Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.^(A)

⁷ Do not be deceived:^(B) God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.^{(C) 8} Whoever sows to please their flesh,^(D) from the flesh will reap destruction;^(E) whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.^{(F) 9} Let us not become weary in doing good,^(G) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.^{(H) 10} Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good^(I) to all people, especially to those who belong to the family^(J) of believers.

¹⁵ You know that the household of Stephanas^(A) were the first converts^(B) in Achaia,^(C) and they have devoted themselves to the service^(D) of the Lord’s people.^(E) I urge you, brothers and sisters,