2 Corinthians, 8

1. Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

1. Now I want you to know about a gift of divine grace among the Churches of Macedonia.

2. How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

2. While they were so afflicted and persecuted, their joy overflowed and their extreme poverty turned into a wealth of generosity.

3. For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;

3. According to their means - even beyond their means - they wanted to share in helping the saints.

4. Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

4. They asked us for this favor spontaneously and with much insistence

5. And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

5. and, far beyond anything we expected, they put themselves at the disposal of the Lord and of us by the will of God.

6. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

6. Accordingly, I urged Titus to complete among you this work of grace since he began it with you.

7. Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.

7. You excel in everything: in the gifts of faith, speech and knowledge; you feel concern for every cause and, besides, you are first in my heart. Excel also in this generous service.

8. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

8. This is not a command; I make known to you the determination of others to check the sincerity of your fraternal concern.

9. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

9. You know well the generosity of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Although he was rich, he made himself poor to make you rich through his poverty.

10. And herein I give [my] advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

10. I only make a suggestion, because you were the first not only in cooperating, but in beginning this project a year ago.

11. Now therefore perform the doing [of it]; that as [there was] a readiness to will, so [there may be] a performance also out of that which ye have.

11. So complete this work and, according to your means, carry out what you decided with much enthusiasm.

12. For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.

12. When there is a good disposition, everything you give is welcomed and no one longs for what you do not have.

13. For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

13. I do not mean that others should be at ease and you burdened. Strive for equality;

14. But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality:

14. at present give from your abundance what they are short of, and in some way they also will give from their abundance what you lack. Then you will be equal

15. As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no lack.

15. and what Scripture says shall come true: To the one who had much, nothing was in excess; to the one who had little, nothing was lacking.

16. But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

16. Blessed be God who inspires Titus with such care for you!

17. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

17. He not only listened to my appeal but he wanted to go and see you on his own initiative.

18. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches;

18. I am sending with him the brother who has gained the esteem of the churches in the work of the Gospel;

19. And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:

19. moreover they appointed him to travel with us in this blessed work we are carrying on for the glory of the Lord but also because of our personal enthusiasm.

20. Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

20. We decided on this so that no one could suspect us with regard to this generous fund that we are administering.

21. Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

21. Let us see to it that all may appear clean not only before God but also before people.

22. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which [I have] in you.

22. We also send with them another brother who on several occasions has shown us his zeal and, now, is more enthusiastic because of his confidence in you.

23. Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be enquired of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ.

23. You then have Titus, our companion and minister, to serve you and, with him, you have our brothers, representatives of the churches and a glory to Christ.

24. Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

24. Show them how you love, and prove before the churches all the good things I said to them about you.