1 Likewise, brethren, we make known unto you the grace of God bestowed on the congregations {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones} of Macedonia,
2 how that in a great trial of tribulation the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3 For to their power, I bear record, and even beyond their power they were willing of themselves,
4 praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the grace and take upon us the fellowship of the ministry to the saints.
5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord and then unto us by the will of God.
6 Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete among you the same grace also.
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith and in word and in knowledge and in all diligence and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.