1 Of the ministering to the saints, it is but superfluous for me to write unto you:
2 for I know your readiness of mind, whereof I boast myself unto them of Macedonia, and say that Achaia was prepared a year ago, and your ferventness hath provoked many.
3 Nevertheless, yet have I sent these brethren, lest our rejoicing over you should be in vain in this behalf, and that ye - as I have said - prepare yourselves,
4 lest peradventure if they of Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared, the boast that I made in this matter should be a shame to us: I say not unto you.
5 Wherefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, to come before hand unto you, for to prepare your good blessing promised afore, that it might be ready: so that it be a blessing, and not a defrauding.
6 This yet remember, how that he which soweth little, shall reap little: and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously.
7 And let every man do according as he hath purposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity. For God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 God is able to make you rich in all grace, that ye in all things having sufficient unto the utmost, may be rich unto all manner good works,
9 as it is written, "He that dispersed abroad and hath given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever."
10 He that findeth the sower seed, shall minister bread for food, and shall multiply your seed, and increase the fruits of your righteousness - that on all parts
11 ye may be made rich in all singleness, which causeth through us, thanksgiving unto God.
12 For the office of this ministration, not only supplieth the need of the saints: but also is abundant herein, that for this laudable ministering, thanks might be given to God of many,
13 which praise God for the obedience of your professing the gospel of Christ, and for your singleness, in distributing to them, and to all men.
14 And in their prayers to God for you, long after you, for the abundant grace of God given unto you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.