II Corinthians - Ferrar Fenton Bible Translation page 1204

I1. CORINTHIANS~ g 7--14 :4 spirit was refreshed by you all; for if I had boasted about you 2. little to him, I was not disgraced; but as we had spoken in all truth to you, so also our boast to Titus became true. And his feelings are especially favourable towards you ; remembering the obedi- ence of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. I am re- joiced, because I relied upon you in everything. ®¤l12:iimzs fur the §§¤¤r. But new I will inform you, brethren,

of the gift of God bestowed upon the Il K2 assemblies of Macedonia; because of the overilow of their kindness which, during a great trial of afiiiction, and notwithstanding their very deep poverty, has poured out in the wealth of their generosity; so that according to their abilitywand I give evidence beyond their ability-they volun- teered. With much urgency they begged of us to convey the gift, and undertake the distribution of it to the saints. And not that we had expected it; but they iirst gave themselves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. We therefore encouraged Titus that as he had begun, he should also finish concerning your contribution. However, asyou excel in everything in faith, and reason, and knowledge, and in all readiness, and in your love toward us——so also you might excel in this contribution. I do not speak imperatively; but

by relating the readiness of others, want a genuine proof of your friend· ship. For you should look upon the beneiicence of our Lord jesus Christ, Who, whe-n existing in wealth, impoverished Himself for you, so that you might be enriched by His poverty. And I give my opinion about this; for it may assist you, who not only originated the work, but also the idea, above a year ago. And now, then, complete the matter; so that as you had the desire to form it, you may also complete it according to your means. For if the desire exists, it is acceptable according to what one may possess; not according to what is not possessed. Yet assistance to others will not be afiiiction to yourselves; but equitably at this present period of your abundance you assist them in their needs: then also from their abundance something will be pro-

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will be equalized. As it is written: 15 THOSE HAVING MUCH WERE No'! OVER-FED; AND THOSE HAVING LITTLE vvnizn NOT STARVBD. But thank God, Who gave the same

earnestness to the heart of Titus for you. He gladly accepted it, and, im- patient to begin, he started to you voluntarily. But we have sent with him the brother who is admired for preaching the gospel through all the assemblies. And not that only; but he was also selected by the as- semblies as our fellowtraveller, to attend to this benevolence, for the honour of the Lord, and by our desire. I steer in this way, lest anyone should slander us for our excessive activity in this affair; taking care to stand well, not only before the Lord, but also before men. And we have sent together with them our brother, whom we have always found to be active, but at present much more earnest by the great confidence he has in you. As for Titus, he is my friend and fellow—worker among you; and our brothers are messengers from the assemblies approved of Christ. You should therefore show to themthe proof of your love, and of our pride concerning you in the presence of all the assemblies. s Further, indeed, it is superduous for

me to write to you about the subscrip- tions for the saints; for I know your desire, and I boasted about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was pre- 16 18 20 2X 22 pared a year before; and through your zealmany were aroused. I have ac- 3 cordingly sent the brethren, so that our boast in this instance may not be disproved; and as I said you were prepared, so you might be found; and 4 lest the Macedonians coming with me should lind you unprepared, we··— for I will not say, you-should be ashamed in this assertion. We therefore considered it necessary

to advise the brethren, so that they might proceed to you, and secure the previously recorded eulogy of you; yet let this readiness be spontaneous, and not as though extorted. The sparing sower, however, shall reap sparingly; andthe generous sovver will also reap plentifullyz as each is in- cited by his heart, not as though grudgéngly, or as if compelled; for I Exod. xvi. 18. duced for you when iu necessity ; so it IZO4