1 Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace God has given to Messiah’s communities in Macedonia—
2 that in much testing by affliction, the abundance of their joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
3 For I testify that according to their ability, and even beyond their ability, they gave of their own free will—
4 begging us with much urging for the favor of sharing in the relief of the kedoshim.
5 Moreover, it was not just as we had hoped, but they gave of themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.
6 So we urged Titus that, just as he had made a start before, so he should also complete this gracious service for you.
7 But as you excel in everything—in faith and speech and knowledge and all diligence, and in your love for us—also excel in this grace.