Encouragement to Give Generously
1 We want you to know, brothers,8:1 Or brothers and sisters about the grace of God that has been ver. 5given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and [Mark 12:44]their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave ver. 11;1 Cor. 16:2according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly ch. 9:2;Rom. 15:25,26;See Acts 24:17for the favor8:4 The Greek word charis can mean favor or grace or thanks, depending on the context of taking part in See Rom. 15:31the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they ver. 1gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.