1 It is indeed unnecessary for me to write
to you concerning the service to the saints,
2 for I know your readiness, of which I
boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia,
that Achaia has been prepared for the
past year. Your zeal has stirred up very
many of them.
3 But I have sent the brothers so that our
boasting on your behalf may not be in vain
in this respect, that, just as I said, you may
be prepared,
4 lest by any means, if anyone from
Macedonia comes there with me and finds
you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you)
would be disappointed in this confident
boasting.
5 I thought it necessary therefore to entreat
the brothers that they would go before
to you and arrange ahead of time the
generous gift that you promised before,
that the same might be ready as a matter
of generosity, and not of greediness.
6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly
will also reap sparingly. He who sows
bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Let each man give according as he has
determined in his heart, not grudgingly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace
abound to you, that you, always having all
sufficiency in everything, may abound to
every good work.
9 As it is written,
“He has scattered abroad. He has given to
the poor.
His righteousness remains forever.”*
10 Now may he who supplies seed to the
sower and bread for food, supply and multiply
your seed for sowing, and increase
the fruits of your righteousness,
11 you being enriched in everything for
all generosity, which produces thanksgiving
to God through us.
12 For this service of giving that you perform
not only makes up for lack amongst
the saints, but abounds also through much
giving of thanks to God,
13 seeing that through the proof given
by this service, they glorify God for the
obedience of your confession to the Good
News of Christ and for the generosity of
your contribution to them and to all,
14 while they themselves also, with supplication
on your behalf, yearn for you by
reason of the exceeding grace of God in
you.
15 Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable
gift!
