^{1 Ref} Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

^{2 Ref} how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

^{3 Ref} For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, `they gave' of their own accord,

^{4 Ref} beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:

^{5 Ref} and `this', 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} Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

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

^{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 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 become rich.

^{10 Ref} And herein I give `my' judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.

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

^{12 Ref} For if the readiness is there, `it is' acceptable according as `a man' hath, not according as `he' hath not.

^{13 Ref} For `I say' not `this' that others may be eased `and' ye distressed;

^{14 Ref} but by equality: your abundance `being a supply' at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become `a supply' for your want; that there may be equality:

^{15 Ref} as it is written, He that `gathered' much had nothing over; and he that `gathered' little had no lack.