8:3. For according to their power (I bear them witness) and beyond their power, they were willing: 8:4. With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of the ministry that is done toward the saints. 8:5. And not as we hoped: but they gave their own selves, first to the Lord, then to us by the will of God; 8:6. Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that, as he had begun, so also he would finish among you this same grace. 8:7. That as in all things you abound in faith and word and knowledge and all carefulness, moreover also in your charity towards us: so in this grace also you may abound. 8:8. I speak not as commanding: but by the carefulness of others, approving also the good disposition of your charity. 8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor for your sakes: that through his poverty you might be rich. 8:10. And herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you who have begun not only to do but also to be willing, a year ago. 8:11. Now therefore perform ye it also in deed: that as your mind is forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which you have. 8:12. For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath: not according to that which he hath not. 8:13. For I mean not that others should be eased and you burdened, but by an equality. 8:14. In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want: that there may be an equality, 8:15. As it is written: He that had much had nothing over; and he that had little had no want. 8:16. And thanks be to God, who hath given the same carefulness for you in the heart of Titus. 8:17. For indeed he accepted the exhortation: but, being more careful, of his own will he went unto you. 8:18. We have sent also with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel through all the churches. 8:19. And not that only: but he was also ordained by the churches companion of our travels, for this grace, which is administered by us, to the glory of the Lord and our determined will: 8:20. Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us. 8:21. For we forecast what may be good, not only before God but also before men. 8:22. And we have sent with them our brother also, whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent: with much confidence in you, 8:23. Either for Titus, who is my companion and fellow labourer towards you, or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ. 8:24. Wherefore shew ye to them, in the sight of the churches, the evidence of your charity and of our boasting on your behalf. 2 Corinthians Chapter 9 A further exhortation to almsgiving. The fruits of it. 9:1. For concerning the ministry that is done towards the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you.