8:1 Moreover, Achim, we do you to wit of the grace of Elohim (אלהים) bestowed on the assemblies of Makedonía;
8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.
8:3 For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;
8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the set apart ones.
8:5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to Adonay, and to us by the will of Elohim (אלהים).
8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titos, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
8:7 Therefore, as you abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that you abound in this grace also.
8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
8:9 For you know the grace of Adoneinu Yehoshua (יהושע) ha Mashiach, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich.
8:10 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.
8:11 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 you have.
8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man has, [and] not according to that he has not.
8:13 For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and you burdened:
8:14 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:
8:15
As it is written:
He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no lack.
8:16 But thanks [be] to Elohim (אלהים), which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titos for you.
8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went to you.
8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the good news throughout all the assemblies;
8:19 And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the assemblies to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Master, and [declaration of] your ready mind:
8:20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of Adonay, but also in the sight of men.
8:22 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.
8:23 Whether [any do enquire] of Titos, [he is] my partner and fellow worker concerning you: or our Achim [be enquired of, they are] the messengers of the assemblies, [and] the glory of Mashiach.
8:24 Wherefore shew you to them, and before the assemblies, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
