1For concerning the relief to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you,
2for I know your enthusiasm, and I boast about it to
the Macedonians on your behalf, in that Achaea has been prepared since last year, and the zeal from your
side has stimulated quite a few
of them.
3And I sent the brothers
there, so that our boasting about you should not go unheard in this matter – so that, as I said, you are prepared –
4so that, if
any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we – so that we don't say “you” – are not put to shame by these grounds of boasting.
5So I considered
it necessary to encourage the brothers to go on ahead to you and finalize your donation beforehand, which
was announced in advance, so that it should be ready, so as a blessing, not as
a matter of meanness.
6And
I say this, he
who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he
who sows generously will also reap generously.
7Each
person should give as he has decided beforehand in
his heart, not grudgingly or under constraint, for
God loves a cheerful giver.
8For God
is able to make all grace abound to you, in order that you, always being entirely self-sufficient in everything, might have something left over for every good work.
9As it stands written:
“He has distributed;
He has given to the poor.
His righteousness remains throughout the age.”
10Now may he
who supplies
seed to the sower also supply bread for food, and may he multiply your seed sown and increase the yield of your righteousness,
11as
you become rich in every
respect, in all generosity, which engenders thanksgiving to God through us.
12For administering this service not only supplies the saints' lack, but also abounds to God through much thanksgiving,
13as they glorify God through the tried character of this service
acquired in subjection to your profession of the gospel of Christ, and for
the generosity in contributing to them and to all,
14while they also long for you in supplication for you on account of the exceeding grace of God
bestowed on you.
15Thanks
be to God for his indescribable gift.
Reference(s) in Chapter 9: v.7 ↔ Proverbs 22:9 ● v.9 ↔ Psalm 112:9 ● v.10 ↔ Isaiah 55:10.