1 F or concerning the ministration which for the saints, it is superfluous my writing to you.

2 F or I know your readiness, which I boast of as respects you to Macedonians, that Achaia is prepared since a year ago, and the zeal of you has stimulated the mass.

3 B ut I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made void in this respect, in order that, as I have said, ye may be prepared;

4 l est haply, if Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, that we say not ye, may be put to shame in this confidence.

5 I thought it necessary therefore to beg the brethren that they would come to you, and complete beforehand your fore-announced blessing, that this may be ready thus as blessing, and not as got out of you.

6 B ut this, he that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that sows in blessing shall reap also in blessing:

7 e ach according as he is purposed in his heart; not grievingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 B ut God is able to make every gracious gift abound towards you, that, having in every way always all-sufficiency, ye may abound to every good work:

9 a ccording as it is written, He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains for ever.

10 N ow he that supplies seed to the sower and bread for eating shall supply and make abundant your sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:

11 e nriched in every way unto all free-hearted liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.

12 B ecause the ministration of this service is not only filling up the measure of what is lacking to the saints, but also abounding by many thanksgivings to God;

13 t hey glorifying God through the proof of this ministration, by reason of your subjection, by profession, to the glad tidings of the Christ, and your free-hearted liberality in communicating towards them and towards all;

14 a nd in their supplication for you, full of ardent desire for you, on account of the exceeding grace of God upon you.

15 T hanks to God for his unspeakable free gift.