^{3 Ref} For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

^{4 Ref} begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.

^{5 Ref} This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

^{6 Ref} So we urged Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace.

^{7 Ref} But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace.

^{8 Ref} I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

^{9 Ref} For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

^{10 Ref} I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing.

^{11 Ref} But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.

^{12 Ref} For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don't have.

^{13 Ref} For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed,

^{14 Ref} but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality.