2Cor 8 | BSB | STEP | Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace God has given the churches of Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 8

Generosity Commended

1 Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace God has given the churches of Macedonia. 2 In [the] terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. 3 For I testify [that] [they gave] according to [their] ability and even beyond [it] . Of their own accord, 4 they pleaded earnestly for the privilege of sharing in [this] service to the saints. 5 And not [only] [did they do] as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was [the] will of God. 6 So we urged Titus to help complete your [act of] grace, just as he had started [it] . 7 But just as you excel in everything— in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we [inspired] in you— [see] that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.

Christ's Example

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that [though] He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through [His] poverty might become rich. 10 And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this [matter] : Last year [you were] the first not only to [give] , but even to have such a desire. 11 Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to [your] means. 12 For if the eagerness is there, [the gift] is acceptable according to what one has, not according to [what] he does not have. 13 [It is not our intention] that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but [that there may be] equality. 14 At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality. 15 As it is written: “He who [gathered] much had no excess, and he who [gathered] little had no shortfall.” ^{▼▼Exodus 16:18}

Titus Commended

16 But thanks [be] to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion [I have] for you. 17 For not only did he welcome [our] appeal, but he {is} eagerly coming to you of his own volition. 18 Along with [Titus] , we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches [for his work] in the gospel. 19 More than that, [this brother] was chosen by the churches to accompany us with [the offering] — the gracious gift we administer to honor the Lord Himself and [to show] our eagerness [to help] . 20 We [hope to] avoid any criticism of [the way] we administer this generous [ gift ] . 21 For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of [the] Lord, but also in the eyes of men. 22 And we are sending along with them our brother, whose earnestness has been proven many times [and] in many ways, and now even more [so] by [his] great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, [he is] my partner and fellow worker among you. [As for] our brothers, [they are] messengers of [the] churches [to the] glory of Christ. 24 In full view of the churches, then, show [these men] the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.