Encouragement to Give Generously
1 We want you to know, brothers,1 about the grace of God that has been given kamong the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their labundance of joy and mtheir extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave naccording to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor2 of taking part in the orelief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, pwe urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this qact of grace. 7 But ras you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you3—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
8 sI say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is tgenuine.
19 And not only that, but he has been bappointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.
23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers1 of the churches, the glory of Christ.
