1 I do not need to write you about the ministry to the holy ones.

2 I know you are ready and I boast about to the Macedonians. That Achaia has been prepared since last year. Your zeal stirred up many of them.

3 But I have sent the brothers that our boasting about you may not be made void in this respect. Even as I said, you may be prepared:

4 Lest by any means, if any from Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to speak of you, should be put to shame in this respect.

5 I thought it necessary therefore to request the brothers to go before me to you, and prepare your generous gift before hand, that the same might be ready as a gift and not extortion.

6 He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.

7 Let each man do according as he has purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you. You have plenty of everything you need and should abound in every good work.

9 As it is written: He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor. His righteousness abides forever.

10 The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.

11 You will be made rich in everything. And you can be generous on every occasion. This will cause thanksgiving to God through us.

12 This service not only takes care of the needs of the holy ones, but also abounds with many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

13 The proof of this ministry is that they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the good news of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men.

14 They pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.

15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!