The Church of Macedonia Gave Willingly Beyond What They Could Afford |
2 Corinthians 8:1-24 Paul's 2nd Epistle to the Corinthians [in Smaller Chunks] |
[Also,] brethren, [a.k.a. fellow-believers,] we [make known to] you, [especially about] the grace of God bestowed, [a.k.a. presented] [to] the churches [in] Macedonia. |
How [they were] [afflicted during] a [large test] [because of] their deep poverty, abounded [by] [their giving their] riches & their liberality, [a.k.a. generosity,] & the abundance of their joy. |
[Yes,] I bear record, [a.k.a. testify,] to their power, & they were themselves willing [to contribute generously,] beyond their power, [a.k.a. ability.] Praying with us with [many petitions,] that we would receive [their financial] gift, & [to assist] us [in] the fellowship of ministering to the [Lord God's] saints. |
And they did this, but 1st gave their own selves to the Lord, & to us [through God's] will, not as we hoped, [since] we desired that Titus, [would stay,] & also finish in you, as he had begun, [with] the same grace. |
Therefore, as you abound, [a.k.a increase, through] faith in everything: utterance, [a.k.a. speaking to others;] knowledge; all diligence, [a.k.a. painstaking effort,] & in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace, [as well.] |
I [don't] speak by [a] commandment, but [because] of the forwardness, [a.k.a. arrogance,] of others, & to prove, [a.k.a. test,] the sincerity of your love. |
For you know Jesus Christ our [Lord's] grace, that, [although] He was rich, [still] He became poor for your sakes, [so] that you, through His poverty might [become] rich. |
And [by this,] I give my advice: for this is expedient, [a.k.a. beneficial,] for you, who have [previously] begun [to share their faith in Jesus Christ,] not only to do [this,] but also [continue] to be [willing to do like you did] a year ago. |
Therefore, now perform, [a.k.a. accomplish,] doing it; [so] that [your accomplishment is] also [like] [your] [willingness] & readiness [to contribute] out of [what] you have. |
For if [there's] 1st, a willing mind, it's accepted according to [what] a man [has,] & not according to [what] he [doesn't have. [But] I [don't] mean that other men [are] [to be] eased [& give less,] & you [are] burdened. |
But [to] [equally] [give, so] that now, [during] this time [of] your abundance, may be [to] supply for their want, [a.k.a. needs.] [And] that their abundance may be a supply for your want, [a.k.a. needs, so] that there may be equality. |
As it is written [in the Scriptures,] He, [who] gathered much [manna] had nothing [left] over; & he [who] had gathered little, had no lack. [Exodus 16:18 And when they [measured] it, [a.k.a. manna,] with an omer, & he [who] gathered much, had nothing over, & he, [who] gathered little had no lack. Every man gathered according to his eating.] |
But thanks be to God, [Who] put the same earnest, [a.k.a. sincere,] care into the heart of Titus for you. For [Titus] indeed accepted the exhortation, [a.k.a. advice.] But being more forward, [a.k.a. diligent, Titus] went to you, of his own accord, [a.k.a. free will.] |
And we have sent with [Titus] [a] brother, [a.k.a. fellow-believer,] whose praise [about sharing his faith] in the Gospel is [spread] throughout all the churches. And not only that, but with this grace, which is administered by us, [through] the glory of the same Lord, [he] was also chosen [by] the churches to travel with us, [declaring] your ready, [a.k.a. willing, minds.] |
Avoid] this, [so] that no man should blame us [about] this [abundant] [financial gift you donated,] which is administered, [a.k.a. distributed,] by us. [Provide] for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. |
And we have sent with them, our brother, [Titus,] whom we have [often] proved [to be] diligent in many things. But [he's even] much more diligent now, [because of] the great confidence which I have in you. |
Whether [anyone asks about] Titus, he is my partner, & fellow-helper, [a.k.a. assistant, for] you. Or [if] our brethren [are] [questioned,] they are the messengers of the churches, [for] the glory of Christ. |
[For this reason,] you [declare] [what you have done] to them, & before, [a.k.a. in front of,] the churches, [for] [Christ's] glory, [which is] the proof of your love, & [the reason] of our boasting on your behalf. |