1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3 For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;
4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.
8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
10 And herein I give [my] advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing [of it]; that as [there was] a readiness to will, so [there may be] a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.
13 For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14 But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no lack.
16 But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches;
19 And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which [I have] in you.
23 Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be enquired of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ.
24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
Versículos relacionados com 2 Corinthians, 8:
2 Corinthians 8 deals with the collection of money Paul was organizing to help poor Christians in Jerusalem. He encourages Corinthians to contribute generosity and cites the example of the Macedonians, who, even though they were poor, voluntarily gave and beyond what they could. Below are five verses related to the topics covered in this chapter:
1 Corinthians 16:2 - "On the first day of the week, each of you put aside what you can gather, according to your prosperity, so that the collections are not made when I arrive." This verse shows that the collection of money to help the needy brothers was a common practice among Christians in Paul's time.
Luke 21:1-4 - "And, looking, he saw the rich launch his offers into the treasure ark; and he also saw a poor widow to throw two small coins there; and said, Terde, I say to you that it has thrown more than everyone is Poor widow. " This verse illustrates the concept of giving with generosity and sacrifice, even if the value is small.
Proverbs 11:24-25-"To which liberally spreads, it is still added to it; and to which it is more than just, it will be in pure loss. The kind soul will be fattened; watered. " This verse highlights the blessing that comes to generously.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - "But I say this: that what sows little, little will also reap; and what sows in abundance, in ABRIFER will. Each contributes according to his heart, not with sadness or out of necessity; because God loves what gives with joy. " This verse reinforces the idea that we should give with joy and without coercion.
1 John 3:17 - "But he who has the world, and coming his brother in need, and closing his heart, how is the love of God in him?" This verse highlights the importance of helping the needy brothers and demonstrates that this is proof of God's love in us.
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