81Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;+2how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.+3For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, [they gave] of their own accord,+4beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:+5and [this], not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.+6Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.+7But as ye abound in everything, [in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all earnestness, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.+8I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.+9For 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 become rich.+10And herein I give [my] judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.+11But now complete the doing also; that as [there was] the readiness to will, so [there may be] the completion also out of your ability.+12For if the readiness is there, [it is] acceptable according as [a man] hath, not according as [he] hath not.+13For [I say] not [this] that others may be eased [and] ye distressed;+14but by equality: your abundance [being a supply] at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become [a supply] for your want; that there may be equality:+15as it is written, He that [gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [gathered] little had no lack.+
16But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.+17For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord.+18And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel [is spread] through all the churches;+19and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in [the matter of] this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and [to show] our readiness:+20avoiding this, that any man should blame us in [the matter of] this bounty which is ministered by us:+21for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.+22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which [he hath] in you.+23Whether [any inquire] about Titus, [he is] my partner and [my] fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, [they are] the messengers of the churches, [they are] the glory of Christ.+24Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.+
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