AUV(i)
1 Now, brothers, we want you to know about the favor God has given to the churches in Macedonia.
2 [It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity.
3 For I testify that they gave [financial help] to the full limit of their ability, yes and even beyond it. [And they did this] entirely on their own,
4 [even] pleading with us and requesting the privilege of taking part in this service to the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] in Jerusalem. [See also 9:1-15; I Cor. 16:1-2; Rom. 15:25-28].
5 And they did not [just] do as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us through the will of God.
6 So, [i.e., because of your enthusiastic response to this need. See verse 10], we urged Titus, who had previously begun [taking up this collection], to help you also complete this favorable work [i.e., by finalizing it].
7 But just as you excel in everything [else]; in your faith, in your speaking; in your knowledge [Note: Possibly these refer to spiritual gifts. See I Cor. 12:8-10], in your eagerness [to serve], and in your love for us, now you people should also excel in this favorable work [i.e., of giving financial help to needy people].
8 I am not saying this [to you] as a command, but by telling you how eager others are [to help], to find out how genuine your love is also.
9 For you know the unearned favor of our Lord Jesus Christ, [how] that even though He was rich, He became poor for your sakes, so that through His poverty you people could become [spiritually] rich.