1 Now we make known unto you, brethren, the grace of God, that hath been given in the churches of Macedonia.
2 That in much experience of tribulation, they have had abundance of joy; and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their simplicity.
3 For according to their power ( I bear them witness), and beyond their power, they were willing.
4 With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of the ministry that is done toward the saints.
5 And not as we hoped, but they gave their own selves first to the Lord, then to us by the will of God:
6 Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so also he would finish among you this same grace.
7 That as in all things you abound in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all carefulness; moreover also in your charity towards us, so in this grace also you may abound.
8 I speak not as commanding; but by the carefulness of others, approving also the good disposition of your charity.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor, for your sakes; that through his poverty you might be rich.
10 And herein I give my advice; for this is profitable for you, who have begun not only to do, but also to be willing, a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform ye it also in deed; that as your mind is forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which you have.
12 For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath, not according to that which he hath not.
13 For I mean not that others should be eased, and you burthened, but by an equality.
14 In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want, that there may be an equality,
15 As it is written: He that had much, had nothing over; and he that had little, had no want.
16 And thanks be to God, who hath given the same carefulness for you in the heart of Titus.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more careful, of his own will he went unto you.
18 We have sent also with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel through all the churches.
19 And not that only, but he was also ordained by the churches companion of our travels, for this grace, which is administered by us, to the glory of the Lord, and our determined will:
20 Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us.
21 For we forecast what may be good not only before God, but also before men.
22 And we have sent with them our brother also, whom we have often proved diligent in many things; but now much more diligent, with much confidence in you,
23 Either for Titus, who is my companion and fellow labourer towards you, or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.
24 Wherefore shew ye to them, in the sight of the churches, the evidence of your charity, 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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