2 Corinthians 8

1Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia,Cross-references: Acts 11:23 · Acts 16:9 · Rom 15:26 · 1Cor 15:10 · 2Cor 8:2 · 2Cor 9:2 · +7 more

2how in a severe ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.Cross-references: Deut 15:4 · Neh 8:10 · Prov 11:25 · Isa 32:5 · Mark 12:42 · Luke 21:1 · +11 more

3For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,Cross-references: Ex 35:5 · Ex 35:21 · Ex 35:29 · 1Chr 29:5 · 1Chr 29:9 · 1Chr 29:13 · +16 more

4begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.Cross-references: Gen 33:10 · 2Ki 5:15 · Matt 10:42 · Matt 12:50 · Matt 25:40 · Matt 25:44 · +21 more

5This was not as we had expected, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.Cross-references: 1Sam 1:28 · 1Chr 12:18 · 2Chr 30:8 · 2Chr 30:12 · Isa 44:3 · Jer 31:33 · +8 more

6So we urged Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace.Cross-references: 2Cor 8:4 · 2Cor 8:16 · 2Cor 8:19 · 2Cor 9:5 · 2Cor 12:18 · Phil 4:18 · +1 more

7But as you abound in everything—in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us—see that you also abound in this grace.Cross-references: Rom 15:14 · 1Cor 1:5 · 1Cor 4:7 · 1Cor 8:1 · 1Cor 12:13 · 1Cor 13:2 · +17 more

8I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.Cross-references: Josh 24:14 · Ezek 33:31 · Rom 11:12 · Rom 12:9 · 1Cor 7:6 · 1Cor 7:12 · +13 more

9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.Cross-references: Ps 102:25 · Isa 53:2 · Isa 62:1 · Isa 65:8 · Matt 8:20 · Matt 17:27 · +35 more

10I give advice in this: it is expedient for you who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing.Cross-references: Prov 19:17 · Matt 10:42 · John 11:50 · John 16:7 · John 18:14 · 1Cor 6:12 · +11 more

11But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.Cross-references: 2Cor 9:2

12For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.Cross-references: Ex 25:2 · Ex 35:5 · Ex 35:21 · Ex 35:29 · 1Chr 29:3 · 2Chr 6:8 · +9 more

13For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed,Cross-references: Acts 4:34 · Rom 15:26

14but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack, that there may be equality.Cross-references: Acts 4:34 · 2Cor 9:12

15As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”Cross-references: Ex 16:18 · Luke 22:35

16But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.Cross-references: Ezra 7:27 · Neh 2:12 · Jer 31:31 · Jer 32:40 · 2Cor 2:13 · 2Cor 7:7 · +4 more

17For he indeed accepted our exhortation, but being himself very earnest, he went out to you of his own accord.Cross-references: 2Cor 8:6 · 2Cor 8:8 · 2Cor 8:10 · Heb 13:22

18We have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the Good News is known throughout all the assemblies.Cross-references: Rom 16:4 · 1Cor 7:17 · 2Cor 2:12 · 2Cor 8:19 · 2Cor 8:22 · 2Cor 12:18

19Not only so, but he was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this grace, which is served by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and to show our readiness.Cross-references: Acts 6:3 · Acts 15:22 · Acts 15:25 · 1Cor 16:3 · 2Cor 4:15 · 2Cor 8:1 · +5 more

20We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.Cross-references: Matt 10:16 · Rom 14:16 · 1Cor 16:3 · 2Cor 11:12 · Eph 5:15 · 1Thess 5:22

21Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.Cross-references: Matt 5:16 · Matt 6:1 · Matt 6:4 · Matt 23:5 · Rom 12:17 · Rom 14:18 · +7 more

22We have sent with them our brother whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he has in you.Cross-references: Phil 2:20

23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ.Cross-references: Luke 5:7 · Luke 5:10 · 2Cor 7:6 · 2Cor 8:6 · 2Cor 8:16 · 2Cor 8:19 · +8 more

24Therefore show the proof of your love to them before the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.Cross-references: 2Cor 7:4 · 2Cor 7:14 · 2Cor 8:8 · 2Cor 9:2