Reformation Directory

1 By the example of the Macedonians, 9 And Christ he exhorteth them to continue in relieving the poor Saints, commending their good beginning. 23 After he commendeth Titus and his fellows unto them.

1.We do you also to wit, brethren, of the ^agrace of God bestowed upon the Churches of Macedonia,

2.Because in great trial of affliction their joy abunded, and their most extreme poverty ^babunded unto their rich liberality.

3.For to their power (I bear record) yea, and beyond their power, they were willing,

4.And prayed us with great instance that we would receive the ^cgrace, & fellowship of the ministering which is toward the Saints.

5.And this they did, not as we looked for: but gave their own selves, first to the Lord, and after unto us by the will of God,

6.That we should exhort Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also accomplish the same grace among you also.

7.Therefore, as ye abunde in every thing, in faith and word, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love towards us, even so see that ye abunde in this grace also.

8.This say I not by commandment, but because of the diligence of others: therefore prove I the naturalness of your love.

9.For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he being rich, for your sakes became poor, that ye through his poverty might be made rich.

10.And I shewe my mind herein: for this is expedient for you, which have begun not to do only, but also to ^dwill, a year a go.

11.Now therefore perform to do it also, that as there was a readiness to will, even so ye may perform it of that which ye have.

12.For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

13.Neither is it that other men should be eased and you grieved.

14.But upon like condition, at this time your ^eabundance supplieth their lack, that also their abundance may be for your lack, that there may be ^fequality:

15.As it is written, *He that gathered much, had nothing over, and he that gathered little, had not the less.

16.And thanks be unto God, which hath put in the heart of Titus the same care for you.

17.Because he accepted the ^gexhortation, yea, he was so careful that of his own accord he went unto you.

18.And we have sent also with him the brother, whose praise is ^hin the Gospel throughout all the Churches,

19.(And not so only, but is also chosen of the Churches to be a fellow in our journey concerning this grace that is ministered by us unto the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your prompt mind)

20.Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us,

21.*Providing for ⁱhonest things, not only before the Lord, but also before men.

22.And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oft times proved to be diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, for the great confidence, which I have in you.

23.Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my fellow and helper to you ward: or of our brethren, they are messengers of the Churches, and the ^kglory of Christ.

24.Wherefore shewe toward them, and before the Churches the proof of your love, and of the rejoicing that we have of you.

2 Corinthians 8

Notes