2 for in a severe test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
3 For according to their means, I can testify, and beyond their means, spontaneously,
4 they begged us insistently for the favor of taking part in the service to the holy ones,
5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us through the will of God,
6 so that we urged Titus that, as he had already begun, he should also complete for you this gracious act also.
7 Now as you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also.
8 I say this not by way of command, but to test the genuineness of your love by your concern for others.