1 Indeed, concerning the service to the set-apart ones, it is unnecessary for me to write to you;
2 for I know your eagerness, about which I boast of you to the Makedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago. And your ardour has stirred up most of them.
3 But I sent the brothers, lest our boasting on behalf of you should be made empty in this part, in order that, as I said, you were ready,
4 lest if some Makedonians come with me and find you not ready, we – not to speak of you – should be put to shame because of our belief.
5 So I thought it necessary to appeal to the brothers to come to you in advance, and arrange your promised blessing beforehand – this to be ready as a blessing and not as greediness.
6 And this: He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows on blessing shall also reap on blessing.
7 Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not of grief or of necessity, for Elohim loves a joyous giver.
8 And Elohim is able to make all favour overflow toward you, that you, always having all you need in every way, have plenty for every good work.
9 As it has been written, “He scattered abroad, He gave to the poor, His righteousness remains forever.”
10 And He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, shall supply and increase the seed you have sown and increase the fruit of your righteousness,
11 being enriched in every way for all simplicity, which works out thanksgiving to Elohim through us.
12 Because the rendering of this service not only supplies the needs of the set-apart ones, but also is overflowing through many thanksgivings to Elohim.
13 Through the proof of this service, they esteem Elohim on the submission of your confession to the Good News of Messiah, and generosity in sharing with them and all men,
14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding favour of Elohim in you.
15 Thanks also to Elohim for His unspeakable gift!