Study Desk

For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

It is not that there may 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 their abundance may also become available for our need, so there may be equality.

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

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

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

And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gift that is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help.

For we are making provision for what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.

As for Titus, he is my partner and coworker serving 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 brag about you to the Macedonians: "Achaia has been prepared since last year," and your zeal has stirred up most of them.

For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be embarrassed in that situation.

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will 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 acts of thanksgiving to God.

They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service.

And they will have deep affection for you in their prayers on your behalf because of the surpassing grace of God in you.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.

For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way,