|
Chapter 9 |
| 1 | For as
touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to
you: |
| 2 |
For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of
you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath
provoked very many. |
| 3 | Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our
boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be
ready: |
| 4 |
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you
unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident
boasting. |
| 5
| Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren,
that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof
ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and
not as of covetousness. |
| 6 | But this I say, He which soweth sparingly
shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also
bountifully. |
| 7
| Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let
him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful
giver. |
| 8 |
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye,
always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good
work: |
| 9 |
(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to
the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. |
| 10 | Now he that
ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply
your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) |
| 11 |
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us
thanksgiving to God. |
| 12 | For the administration of this service not
only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many
thanksgivings unto God; |
| 13 | Whiles by the experiment of this
ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of
Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
|
| 14 | And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding
grace of God in you. |
| 15 | Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable
gift. |
