But by an equality, {that} now at this time your abundance {may be a supply} for their want, that their abundance also may be {a supply} for your want: that there may be equality:

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and {take upon us} the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels {of compassion} from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

What {doth it} profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things {which were sent} from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. {I have all: or, I have received all}

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift {bestowed} upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. {bountifulness: or, liberality: Gr. simplicity}

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things {which were sent} from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. {I have all: or, I have received all}

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

But by an equality, {that} now at this time your abundance {may be a supply} for their want, that their abundance also may be {a supply} for your want: that there may be equality:

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and {take upon us} the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with {his} hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. {to give: or, to distribute}

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. {mammon: or, riches}

Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, {to be} king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and {that} they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

And not {that} only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and {declaration of} your ready mind: {grace: or, gift}

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all {things} I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and {so} will I keep {myself}.

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

{This is} a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: {yea, though he be} a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. {fallen...: Heb. his hand faileth} {relieve: Heb. strengthen}