8:1 Now we make known unto you, brethren, the grace of God that hath been given in the churches of Macedonia.

8:2 That in much experience of tribulation, they have had abundance of joy and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their simplicity.

8:3 For according to their power (I bear them witness) and beyond their power, they were willing:

8:4 With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of the ministry that is done toward the saints.

8:5 And not as we hoped: but they gave their own selves, first to the Lord, then to us by the will of God;

8:6 Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that, as he had begun, so also he would finish among you this same grace.

8:7 That as in all things you abound in faith and word and knowledge and all carefulness, moreover also in your charity towards us: so in this grace also you may abound.

8:8 I speak not as commanding: but by the carefulness of others, approving also the good disposition of your charity.

8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor for your sakes: that through his poverty you might be rich.

8:10 And herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you who have begun not only to do but also to be willing, a year ago.

8:11 Now therefore perform ye it also in deed: that as your mind is forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which you have.

8:12 For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath: not according to that which he hath not.

8:13 For I mean not that others should be eased and you burdened, but by an equality.

8:14 In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want: that there may be an equality,

8:15 As it is written: He that had much had nothing over; and he that had little had no want.

8:16 And thanks be to God, who hath given the same carefulness for you in the heart of Titus.

8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation: but, being more careful, of his own will he went unto you.

8:18 We have sent also with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel through all the churches.

8:19 And not that only: but he was also ordained by the churches companion of our travels, for this grace, which is administered by us, to the glory of the Lord and our determined will:

8:20 Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us.

8:21 For we forecast what may be good, not only before God but also before men.

8:22 And we have sent with them our brother also, whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent: with much confidence in you,

8:23 Either for Titus, who is my companion and fellow labourer towards you, or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.

8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, in the sight of the churches, the evidence of your charity and of our boasting on your behalf.