Generosity Commended

1Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2That in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality. 3For to their power, I bear testimony, and even beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; 4Praying us with much entreaty, that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God: 6So that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

Christ's Example

9For 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 be rich. 10And in this I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11Now therefore finish the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not. 13For I mean not that other men should be eased, and you burdened: 14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no want.

Titus Commended

(Titus 1:1-4)

16But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 17For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went to you. 18And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; 19And not that only, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: 20Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: 21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often proved to be diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 23If any inquire concerning Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. 24Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.