1And
now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian
churches. 2Out
of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in
rich generosity. 3For
I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
Entirely on their own, 4they
urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And
they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us
in keeping with God's will. 6So
we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this
act of grace on your part. 7But
just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete
earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8I
am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with
the earnestness of others. 9For
you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes
he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
