Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given to the churches in Macedonia.They have suffered a great deal. But in their suffering, their joy was more than full. Even though they were very poor, they gave very freely.I tell you that they gave as much as they could. In fact, they gave even more than they could. Completely on their own,they begged us for the chance to share in serving the Lord’s people in that way.They did more than we expected. First they gave themselves to the Lord. Then they gave themselves to us because that was what God wanted.Titus had already started collecting money from you. So we asked him to help you finish making your kind gift.You do well in everything else. You do well in faith and in speaking. You do well in knowledge and in complete commitment. And you do well in the love we have helped to start in you. So make sure that you also do well in the grace of giving to others.I am not commanding you to do it. But I want to test you. I want to find out if you really love God. I want to compare your love with that of others.You know the grace shown by our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though he was rich, he became poor to help you. Because he became poor, you can become rich.
Suppose a brother or a sister has no clothes or food.Suppose one of you says to them,“ Go. I hope everything turns out fine for you. Keep warm. Eat well.” And suppose you do nothing about what they really need. Then what good have you done?
Now I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the Lord’s people there.The believers in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to take an offering. It was for those who were poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.They were happy to do it. And of course they owe it to them. The Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings. So the Gentiles should share their earthly blessings with the Jews.
The believers decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. All of them helped as much as they could.They sent their gift to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.
Now I want to deal with the offering of money for the Lord’s people. Do what I told the churches in Galatia to do.On the first day of every week, each of you should put some money away. The amount should be in keeping with how much money you make. Save the money so that you won’t have to take up an offering when I come.