^1. FOR it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the [1] saints;

^2. for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.

^3. But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared;

^4. otherwise if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we -- not to speak of you -- will be put to shame by this confidence.

^5. So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised [4] bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a [3] bountiful gift and not [2] affected by covetousness.

^6. Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows [6] bountifully will also reap [5] bountifully.

^7. Each one must do just as he has purposed 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, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

^9. as it is written, « HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS [7] ENDURES FOREVER.»

^10. Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;

^11. you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.

^12. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the [8] saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.

^13. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your [9] contribution to them and to all,

^14. while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.

^15. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!