Self-interpreting Bible

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2 Corinthians 8

1Paul extolleth the liberal contributions of the Macedonian churches for the relief of the brethren in Judaea: 6and recommendeth the same charity to the Corinthians, as well befitting their other graces, 9enforced by Christ's example, 10consistent with the alacrity they had already expressed therein, 13and a precedent which might in time be of use to themselves. 16He letteth them know the willingness of Titus to come and further this good work among them; and commendeth him to their love, together with the brethren, men of special worth, who were sent with him on the same errand.

1 MOREOVER, brethren, *we do you to wit of athe grace of God bestowed on the churches of bMacedonia;

2 How that cin a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their 1liberality.

3 dFor to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4 Praying us with much intreaty ethat we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5 fAnd this they did, not as we hoped, gbut first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

6 hInsomuch that we desired iTitus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same j2grace also.

7 Therefore, as ye kabound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

8 lI speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to *prove the sincerity of your love.

9 For mye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, nthough he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty omight be rich.

10 pAnd herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have qbegun before, not only to do, but also to be 3forward a year ago.

11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

    12 For rif there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

    13 sFor I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

    14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply tfor their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

    15 As it is written, uHe that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

    16 vBut thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

    17 wFor indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

    18 And we have sent with him xthe brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout yall the churches;

    19 And not that only, but who was also zchosen of the churches to travel with us with this 4grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

    20 aAvoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

    21 bProviding for *honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

    22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, cupon the great confidence which 5I have in you.

    23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, dhe is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or eour brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

    24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, fthe proof of your love, and of gour boasting on your behalf.