Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

He reminds them to help the poor saints in Jerusalem, as the Macedonians did. He sends Titus ahead.

8 I want you to understand, brethren, of the grace of God that is given in the congregations of Macedonia, ² how the greatness of their joy is in that they are tried with much tribulation. And moreover, though they were very poor, yet they have given very liberally, and that in sincerity. ³ For as they were able (I am witness), yea and beyond their ability, they were willing of their own accord, ⁴ and insisted that we take their gift and let them be partakers with others in ministering to the saints. ⁵ And this they did not as we looked for, but gave their own selves first to the Lord, and after to us by the will of God. ⁶ So we could not but desire Titus to accomplish the same work of grace among you too, even as he had begun.

⁷ Now therefore, as you are rich in all respects – in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which you have to us – so also see to it that you contribute generously to this gift. ⁸ I say this, not as commanding, but, seeing others are so fervent, to prove your love also, whether it be perfect or no. ⁹ You know the munificence of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, though he was rich, yet for your sakes became poor, so that you through his poverty could be made rich.

¹⁰ And I give counsel in the matter because to do this is proper for you, who began not only to do, but also to will, a year ago. ¹¹ Now therefore perform the deed, so that as there was in you a ready willingness, so also you follow through, out of what you have. ¹² For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a person has, and not according to what he does not have.

¹³ It is not my mind that others be set at ease and you be burdened, ¹⁴ but, so that there be equality now at this time, that your abundance may relieve their lack, and that their abundance also hereafter may supply your lack – so that there may be equality, ¹⁵ agreeing to that which is written: He who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack.