1Moreover, brethren, I want you to know about the grace that God has given in the Churches of Macedonia: 2in spite of extreme tribulations, the abundance of their joy (and their deep poverty) has resulted in generous giving. 3I can testify that within their means and even beyond, they gave freely, 4begging us to receive the grace to have such a participation in the ministry1871 to the saints. 5We had not hoped for so much, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, by the will of God. 6As a result, we urged Titus to bring this same grace to completion in you. 7Yes, as you overflow in everything: faith, speech, knowledge, devotion, and [also] in your love for us,1872 try to overflow even in this grace {of generous giving}. 8I am not saying this as an order, but as testing your love by mentioning the devotion of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: even though he was rich, yet he became poor for your sake, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 10I give my opinion in this matter: it would be the right thing to do for you, since a year ago you were the first to do something (and this was also your will), 11to complete what you were doing. Just as there was the readiness to be willing, may there [also] be completion {of this project} according to your means. 12If you are ready, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have. 13The goal is not that others may have it easy and that you would be in distress; 14this is about a balancing out.1873 In this present time, let your abundance make up for what others lack, so that their abundance also may become a supply for what you lack—that there may be equality. 15As it is written, “The one who gathered much had nothing left over, but the one who gathered little was not in need.”1874
About Titus
16But thanks be to God who puts into Titus’ heart the same devotion for you. 17He has accepted our exhortation, but since he was very eager, he [actually] went out to you of his own accord. 18We have sent along with him the brother1875 whose praise in the Good News is known in all the Churches. 19In fact, he was also appointed by the Churches to accompany us with this grace, which we administer to the glory of the Lord himself, and to show our zeal. 20There is one thing that we want to avoid: that anyone should blame us about this general gift which we administer. 21We endeavor to act honorably, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22We have sent with them our brother who has proven his eagerness in many ways, but now he is even more eager because of his great confidence in you. 23Regarding Titus: he is my partner and fellow worker for your sake. As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the Churches, the glory of Christ. 24Therefore, demonstrate your love to them before the Churches; show that we were right to boast about you to them.
The ministry to the saints
- Or “service”
- CT reads “our love for you”
- Or “equality/equalization/fair share”
- Exodus 16:8
- An unnamed Christian
Text: The Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible, New Testament (EOB). Used with permission.
