2 Corinthians 8:1-3

Completing the Collection for the Saints

8:1 Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, ¹  the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, 8:2 that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth ²  of their generosity. 8:3 For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, ³ 

2 Corinthians 8:12

8:12 For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself ⁴  is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have.

2 Corinthians 8:16

The Mission of Titus

8:16 But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same devotion ⁵  I have for you,

¹ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:8.

² tn Or “riches.”

³ tn Or “spontaneously.”

⁴ tn The words “the gift itself” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Translators often supply an English phrase like “it is” (NASB) but in the context, Paul is clearly referring to the collection Titus was to oversee (2 Cor 8:4-7). Therefore there is no reason not to specify the referent (the gift) more narrowly for clarity.

⁵ tn Or “eagerness.”