[1] For indeed, concerning the ministry that [is] for the holy ones, it is superfluous for me to write to you, [2] for I have known your readiness of mind, which in your behalf I boast of to Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared a year ago, and your zeal stirred up the greater part, [3] and I sent the brothers, that our boasting on your behalf may not be made vain in this respect; that, according as I said, you may be ready, [4] lest if Macedonians may come with me, and find you unprepared, we may be put to shame (that we do not say—you) in this same confidence of boasting. [5] Therefore I thought [it] necessary to exhort the brothers, that they may go before to you, and may make up before your formerly announced blessing, that this be ready, as a blessing, and not as covetousness. [6] And [remember] this: he who is sowing sparingly, will also reap sparingly; and he who is sowing in blessings, will also reap in blessings; [7] each one, according as he purposes in heart, not out of sorrow or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver, [8] and God [is] able to cause all grace to abound to you, that in everything always having all sufficiency, you may abound to every good work, [9] according as it has been written: “He dispersed abroad, He gave to the poor, His righteousness remains throughout the age,” [10] and may He who is supplying seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness, [11] being enriched to all liberality in everything, which works thanksgiving through us to God, [12] because the ministry of this service not only is supplying the wants of the holy ones, but is also abounding through many thanksgivings to God, [13] through the proof of this ministry glorifying God for the subjection of your confession to the good news of the Christ, and [for] the liberality of the fellowship to them and to all, [14] and by their supplication in your behalf, longing after you because of the exceeding grace of God on you; [15] thanks also to God for His unspeakable gift!
