Chapter
8
Moreover, sisters, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia;
how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.
For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,
begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.
This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Domina, and to us through the will of God.
So we urged Titus, that as she made a beginning before, so she would also complete in you this grace.
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.
I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
For you know the grace of our Domina Jesus Christ, that, though she was rich, yet for your sakes she became poor, that you through her poverty might become rich.
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.
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.
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don't have.
For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed,
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.
As it is written, "She who gathered much had nothing left over, and she who gathered little had no lack."
But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.
For she indeed accepted our exhortation, but being herself very earnest, she went out to you of her own accord.
We have sent together with her the sister whose praise in the Good News is known through all the assemblies.
Not only so, but who was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this grace, which is served by us to the glory of the Domina herself, and to show our readiness.
We are avoiding this, that any woman should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.
Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Domina, but also in the sight of women.
We have sent with them our sister, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which she has in you.
As for Titus, she is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our sisters, they are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ.
Therefore show the proof of your love to them in front of the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.