2 Corinthians 8

1But we make known to you, brethren, the grace ofGod bestowed in the assemblies of Macedonia;

1Now we make known unto you, brethren, the grace of God that hath been given in the churches of Macedonia.

2that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty has abounded to the riches of their [free-hearted] liberality.

2That in much experience of tribulation, they have had abundance of joy and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their simplicity.

3For according to [their] power, I bear witness, and beyond [their] power, [they were] willing of their own accord,

3For according to their power (I bear them witness) and beyond their power, they were willing:

4begging of us with much entreaty [to give effect to] the grace and fellowship of the service which [was to be rendered] to the saints.

4With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of the ministry that is done toward the saints.

5And not according as we hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and to us byGod's will.

5And not as we hoped: but they gave their own selves, first to the Lord, then to us by the will of God;

6So that we begged Titus that, according as he had before begun, so he would also complete as to you this grace also;

6Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that, as he had begun, so also he would finish among you this same grace.

7but even as ye abound in every way, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and in love from you to us, that ye may abound in this grace also.

7That as in all things you abound in faith and word and knowledge and all carefulness, moreover also in your charity towards us: so in this grace also you may abound.

8I do not speak as commanding [it], but through the zeal of others, and proving the genuineness of your love.

8I speak not as commanding: but by the carefulness of others, approving also the good disposition of your charity.

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

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

10And I give [my] opinion in this, for this is profitable for you who began before, not only to do, but also to be willing, a year ago.

10And herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you who have begun not only to do but also to be willing, a year ago.

11But now also complete the doing of it; so that as [there was] the readiness to be willing, so also to complete out of what ye have.

11Now therefore perform ye it also in deed: that as your mind is forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which you have.

12For if the readiness be there, [a man is] accepted according to what he may have, not according to what he has not.

12For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath: not according to that which he hath not.

13For [it is] not in order that there may be ease for others, and for you distress,

13For I mean not that others should be eased and you burdened, but by an equality.

14but [on the principle] of equality; in the present time your abundance for their lack, that their abundance may be for your lack, so that there should be equality.

14In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want: that there may be an equality,

15According as it is written, He who [gathered] much had no excess, and he who [gathered] little was nothing short.

15As it is written: He that had much had nothing over; and he that had little had no want.

16But thanks [be] toGod, who gives the same diligent zeal for you in the heart of Titus.

16And thanks be to God, who hath given the same carefulness for you in the heart of Titus.

17For he received indeed the entreaty, but, being full of zeal, he went of his own accord to you;

17For indeed he accepted the exhortation: but, being more careful, of his own will he went unto you.

18but we have sent with him the brother whose praise [is] in the glad tidings through all the assemblies;

18We have sent also with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel through all the churches.

19and not only [so], but [is] also chosen by the assemblies as our fellow-traveller with this grace, ministered by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and [a witness of] our readiness;

19And not that only: but he was also ordained by the churches companion of our travels, for this grace, which is administered by us, to the glory of the Lord and our determined will:

20avoiding this, that any one should blame us in this abundance [which is] administered by us;

20Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us.

21for we provide for things honest, not only before [the] Lord, but also before men.

21For we forecast what may be good, not only before God but also before men.

22And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved to be of diligent zeal in many things, and now more diligently zealous through the great confidence [he has] as to you.

22And we have sent with them our brother also, whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent: with much confidence in you,

23Whether as regards Titus, [he is] my companion and fellow-labourer in your behalf; or our brethren, [they are] deputed messengers of assemblies, Christ's glory.

23Either for Titus, who is my companion and fellow labourer towards you, or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.

24Shew therefore to them, before the assemblies, the proof of your love, and of our boasting about you.

24Wherefore shew ye to them, in the sight of the churches, the evidence of your charity and of our boasting on your behalf.