Whiston(i)
1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on 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.
3 For to [their] power I bear record, yea, and beyond their power [they were] willing of themselves,
4 Praying us with much intreaty, [that we would accept the gift], and the fellowship of the ministring to the saints.
5 And this, not as we hoped; but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6 Insomuch that we have desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
7 Therefore as ye abound in every thing, in faith, in utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us; that ye abound in this grace also.
8 I speak not by commandment, but on account of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
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.
10 And herein I give advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward 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 you have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, not according to that he hath not.
13 For not that other men be eased, and you burdened:
14 But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may] be for their want, that their abundance also may be for your want, that there may be equality,
15 As it is written, He that [had] much, had nothing over; and he that [had] little, had no lack.
16 But thanks [be] to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation, but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel, throughout all the churches:
19 And not [that] only, but he was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace which is administred by us to the glory of the Lord, and of your ready mind.
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administred by us:
21 For providing to do honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
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 towards us.
23 Whether for Titus, [he is] my partner, and fellow-helper concerning you: or for our brethren, [they are] the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
24 Shewing thereby to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.