^{3 Ref} For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

^{4 Ref} Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

^{5 Ref} And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

^{6 Ref} Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

^{7 Ref} Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

^{8 Ref} I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

^{9 Ref} 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 Ref} And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

^{11 Ref} 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 ye have.

^{12 Ref} For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

^{13 Ref} For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

^{14 Ref} But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: