Third Millennium Bible TMB
New International Version NIV
1 Moreover, brethren, we want you to know of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
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And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
2 how in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
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In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing to give of themselves,
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For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
4 praying us with earnest entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of ministering to the saints.
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they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.
5 And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and unto us by the will of God,
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And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
6 insomuch that we urged Titus that, as he had begun, so he would finish in you the same grace also.
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So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.
7 Therefore as ye abound in everything -- in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us -- see that ye abound in this grace also.
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But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forthcoming of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
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I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.