| Chapter 9 |
1 |
For concerning the ministration which is for the saints, it is superfluous my writing to you. |
2 |
For I know your readiness, which I boast of as respects you to Macedonians, that Achaia is prepared since a year ago, and the zeal reported of you has stimulated the mass of the brethren. |
3 |
But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made void in this respect, in order that, as I have said, ye may be prepared; |
4 |
lest haply, if Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, *we*, that we say not *ye*, may be put to shame in this confidence. |
5 |
I thought it necessary therefore to beg the brethren that they would come to you, and complete beforehand your fore-announced blessing, that this may be ready thus as blessing, and not as got out of you. |
6 |
But this is true, he that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that sows in the spirit of blessing shall reap also in blessing: |
7 |
each according as he is purposed in his heart; not grievingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. |
8 |
But God is able to make every gracious gift abound towards you, that, having in every way always all-sufficiency, ye may abound to every good work: |
9 |
according as it is written, He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains for ever. |
10 |
Now he that supplies seed to the sower and bread for eating shall supply and make abundant your sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness: |
11 |
enriched in every way unto all free-hearted liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God. |
12 |
Because the ministration of this service is not only filling up the measure of what is lacking to the saints, but also abounding by many thanksgivings to God; |
13 |
they glorifying God through the proof of this ministration, by reason of your subjection, by profession, to the glad tidings of the Christ, and your free-hearted liberality in communicating towards them and towards all; |
14 |
and in their supplication for you, full of ardent desire for you, on account of the exceeding grace of God which is upon you. |
15 |
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable free gift. |