1 It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the holy ones, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them. 3 But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared, 4 lest by any means, if anyone from Macedonia comes there with me and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) would be disappointed in this confident boasting. 5 I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.
6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. 9 As it is written,
"He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor.
His righteousness remains forever."
10 Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 you being enriched in everything to all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12 For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the holy ones, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God, 13 seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Messiah and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
Domínio Público. Esta tradução bíblica de domínio público é trazida a você por cortesia de eBible.org.
1 But, indeed, concerning the ministry which is for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you.2 For I know your willingness: of which I boasted on your behalf, to the Macedonians, that Achaia was prepared since the last year; and your zeal has stirred up the multitude.3 Yet I have sent the brethren, that our boasting concerning you, may not be rendered false in this particular; but that as I said you may be prepared.4 Lest, perhaps, if the Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not you) should be put to shame by this confidence.5 Therefore, I thought it necessary to entreat the brethren, that they would go before you, and complete beforehand your formerly announced bounty; that the same might be thus ready as a gift, and not as a thing extorted.6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly, shall reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully, shall reap bountifully.7 Every one according as he has purposed in his heart, ought to give; not with regret, nor by constraint; for God loves a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to make every blessing abound to you; that in everything, always having all sufficiency, you may abound in every good work.9 «As it is written,» 'He has dispersed, he has given to the poor: his righteousness remains forever.'10 Now, may he who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed sown, and increase the products of your righteousness.11 That you may be enriched in everything, for all liberality, which produces, through us, thanksgiving to God.12 For the ministry of this public service, not only fill us up completely the wants of the saints; but also abounds in many thanksgivings to God.13 They, through the proof of the ministry, glorifying God for you avowed subjection to the gospel of Christ; and for the liberality of your contribution for them, and for all;14 and for their prayer for you, who ardently love you, on account of the exceeding favor of God bestowed on you.15 Now, thanks to God for his unspeakable gift.