1 However, brothers, we make known to you the divine power for righteousness, holiness, and redemption of God which has been bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality. *
3 For to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4 Begging us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the serving to the saints.
5 And this they did, not as we expected, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete divine power for righteousness, holiness, and redemption also.
7 Therefore, as you abound in everything, in supernatural belief and trust and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this divine power for righteousness, holiness, and redemption also.
8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the eagerness of others, and to test the sincerity of your love.
9 For you know the divine power for righteousness, holiness, and redemption of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich.
10 And I give my understanding regarding this, for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness of mind to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which you have.
12 For if there is first a readiness of mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that he has not. *
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened:
14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply into their want, that their abundance also may be a supply into your want: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written, He who had gathered much had nothing over; and he who had gathered little had no lack.
16 Divine power for righteousness, holiness, and redemption of God, this is what puts the same diligence into the innermost mind of Titus for you.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went to you.
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this divine power for righteousness, holiness, and redemption, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21 Providing 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 tested and found diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brothers be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24 Therefore show you to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.