Thematic Bible




Thematic Bible



but was chosen by the churches to accompany me with this collection; which service I undertook for the sake of Christ, and to encourage your generous design.

As to the relief of the converts, it is superfluous for me to write to you. for I know your generous propensity, and I mention'd it with applause to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; so that your zeal has influenc'd many others. yet have I sent the brethren, that my character of you may not appear to be groundless, with respect to that part wherein I said, ye would be ready: read more.
for if the Macedonians should come with me, and find you unprepared, how shall I, not to say you, be ashamed for having had so little ground to boast of you? I thought it therefore necessary to counsel the brethren to go before, and settle the management of the contribution by this previous notice, that it might have such dispatch, as shows a bountiful, and not a niggardly temper. remember, " he who sows sparingly, shall reap also sparingly: and he who sows bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." let every man give as he is disposed in his own mind, without any regret or reluctance: for God loves a cheerful benefactor. and God is able to make every charitable gift redound to your advantage; that being always sufficiently supply'd in every thing, you may excel in every good work: as it is written, " he hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his liberality remaineth for ever." now he that furnishes seed to the sower, and bread for food, shall furnish and multiply what you sow, and increase the fruits of your liberality. so that being enriched in every thing, you may be continually beneficent to the glory of God by our thanksgiving. for the execution of this charitable office, does not only supply the necessities of the converts, but by the thanksgivings of many redounds also to the glory of God. having this proof of you by such a supply, they will glorify God for your profess'd subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them as well as others;


I must acquaint you, brethren, with the contribution which the churches of Macedonia have religiously made, who tho' labouring under great trial of affliction, and extreme poverty, have notwithstanding with exceeding cheerfulness contributed very liberally: being forward of themselves to the utmost of their power, (I bear them witness) yea, and beyond their power: read more.
earnestly intreating me to take the gift, and the charge of conveying it to the converts at Jerusalem: and in this they out-did my expectation; such was the divine pleasure, they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then made me an offer to go themselves to Corinth. I therefore desired Titus, as he had begun, to finish this contribution among you. that as you excel in every thing, in faith, in language, mystical knowledge, in all virtue, and in your affection to us; I hope you will excel too in this charitable disposition. I don't mean to prescribe to you, but that the zeal of others may show you are as sincerely well-affected.

As to the relief of the converts, it is superfluous for me to write to you. for I know your generous propensity, and I mention'd it with applause to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; so that your zeal has influenc'd many others. yet have I sent the brethren, that my character of you may not appear to be groundless, with respect to that part wherein I said, ye would be ready: read more.
for if the Macedonians should come with me, and find you unprepared, how shall I, not to say you, be ashamed for having had so little ground to boast of you? I thought it therefore necessary to counsel the brethren to go before, and settle the management of the contribution by this previous notice, that it might have such dispatch, as shows a bountiful, and not a niggardly temper.