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[1] We do you also to wit, brethren, of the grace of God bestowed upon the Churches of Macedonia,
[2] Because in great trial of affliction their joy abounded, and their most extreme poverty abounded unto their rich liberality.
[3] For to their power (I bear record) yea, and beyond their power, they were willing,
[4] And prayed us with great instance that we would receive the grace, and fellowship of the ministring which is toward the Saints.
[5] And this they did, not as we looked for: but gave their own selves, first to the Lord, and after unto us by the will of God,
[6] That we should exhort Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also accomplish the same grace among you also.
[7] Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith and word, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love towards us, even so see that ye abound in this grace also.
[8] This say I not by commandment, but because of the diligence of others: therefore prove I the naturalness of your love.
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he being rich, for your sakes became poor, that ye through his poverty might be made rich.
[10] And I show my mind herein: for this is expedient for you, which have begun not to do only, but also to will, a year ago.
[11] Now therefore perform to do it also, that as there was a readiness to will, even so ye may perform it of that which ye have.
[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.
[13] Neither is it that other men should be eased and you grieved.
[14] But upon like condition, at this time your abundance supplieth their lack, that also their abundance may be for your lack, that there may be equality:
[15] As it is written, He that gathered much, had nothing over, and he that gathered little, had not the less.
[16] And thanks be unto God, which hath put in the heart of Titus the same care for you.
[17] Because he accepted the exhortation, yea, he was so careful that of his own accord he went unto you.
[18] And we have sent also with him the brother, whose praise is in the Gospel throughout all the Churches.
[19] (And not so only, but is also chosen of the Churches to be a fellow in our journey concerning this grace that is ministered by us unto the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your prompt mind)
[20] Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us,
[21] Providing for honest things, not only before the Lord, but also before men.
[22] And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oft times proved to be diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, for the great confidence, which I have in you.
[23] Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my fellow and helper to you ward: or of our brethren, they are messengers of the Churches, and the glory of Christ.
[24] Wherefore show toward them, and before the Churches the proof of your love, and of the rejoicing that we have of you.
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