²⁶ for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.^(A)

Encouragement to Be Generous

8 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia, ² for during a severe ordeal of affliction their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. ³ For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means and even beyond their means, ⁴ begging us earnestly for the favor^[a] of partnering in this ministry to the saints,^{(A) 5} and not as we expected. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, ⁶ so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking^[b] among you.^{(B) 7} Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you^[c]—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.^[d](C)

⁸ I do not say this as a command, but I am, by mentioning the eagerness of others, testing the genuineness of your love.^{(D) 9} For you know the generous act^[e] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.^(E)

²⁷ At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.^{(A) 28} One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world, and this took place during the reign of Claudius.^{(B) 29} The disciples determined that, according to their ability, each would send relief to the brothers and sisters living in Judea;^{(C) 30} this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.^(D)

¹² for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.

² for I know your eagerness, which is the subject of my boasting about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.^(A)

⁵ Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?^{(A) 6} But you have dishonored the poor person. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into the courts?^(B)

⁵ because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus.^(A)

⁶ Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.^(A)

⁷ Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.^{(B) 8} If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.^{(C) 9} So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.^{(D) 10} So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.^(E)

¹⁵ Now, brothers and sisters, you know that members of the household of Stephanas were the first fruits in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints;^(A)