Study Desk

Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you.

For I know your eagerness, and I brag about you to the Macedonians:^[a](a) "Achaia^[b](b) has been prepared since last year," and your zeal^(c) has stirred up most of them.^(d)

But I sent the brothers so our boasting about you in the matter would not prove empty, and so you would be prepared just as I said.

For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be embarrassed in that situation.^[c]

Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift^(e) you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.^(f)

Remember this:^[d] The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves^(g) a cheerful giver.

And God is able^(h) to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.

As it is written: He scattered; ⁽ⁱ⁾ He gave to the poor; His righteousness endures forever. ^(j)[e]

Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.^(k)

You will be enriched^(l) in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.

For the ministry of this service^(m) is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God.

They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of^[f] the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity⁽ⁿ⁾ in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service.

And they will have deep affection for^[g] you in their prayers on your behalf because of the surpassing grace of God in you.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.