Appeal to Complete the Collection

8 We want you to know, * brothers, about the grace of God granted to the churches u of Macedonia: v 2 During a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity. w 3 I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability, 4 they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing x in the ministry to the * saints, 5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves especially to the Lord, then to us by God’s will. y 6 So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete this grace to you. 7 Now as you excel in everything—faith, speech, knowledge, z and in all diligence, and in your love for us a—excel also in this grace.

8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich, b for your sake He became poor, c so that by His poverty you might become rich. 10 Now I am giving an opinion on this because it is profitable for you, who a year ago began not only to do something but also to desire it. d e 11 But now finish the task f as well, that just as there was eagerness to desire it, so there may also be a completion from what you have.