1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous
for me to write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for
which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year
ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
Provoked:
- stimulate someone to do or feel something
3 Yet have I sent the
brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf;
that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come
with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be
ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it
necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you,
and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that
the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of
covetousness.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also
sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him
give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye,
always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good
work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the
poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now HE that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread
for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of
your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the
want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for
your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your
liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer
for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for HIS unspeakable gift.
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