Study Desk

For if I have made any boast to him about you, I have not been disappointed; but as I have spoken everything to you in truth, so our boasting to Titus has also turned out to be the truth.

they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints,

Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this act of grace.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

And in this matter I am giving advice because it is profitable for you, who began last year not only to do something but also to want to do it.

For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

It is not that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality.

At the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may in turn meet your need, in order that there may be equality.

Thanks be to God, who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus.

For he welcomed our appeal and, being very diligent, went out to you by his own choice.

We have sent with him the brother who is praised among all the churches for his gospel ministry.

And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gracious gift that we are administering for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.

As for Titus, he is my partner and coworker for you; as for our brothers, they are the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you.

For I know your eagerness, and I boast about you to the Macedonians: “Achaia has been ready since last year,” and your zeal has stirred up most of them.

Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone.

And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.