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.