, they have had abundance of
joy and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their
simplicity.

Simplicity... That is, sincere bounty and charity.

8:3. For according to their power (I bear them witness) and beyond their
power, they were willing:

8:4. With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of the
ministry that is done toward the saints.

8:5. And not as we hoped: but they gave their own selves, first to the
Lord, then to us by the will of God;

8:6. Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that, as he had begun, so also he
would finish among you this same grace.

8:7. That as in all things you abound in faith and word and knowledge
and all carefulness, moreover also in your charity towards us: so in
this grace also you may abound.

8:8. I speak not as commanding: but by the carefulness of others,
approving also the good disposition of your charity.

8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he
became poor for your sakes: that through his poverty you might be rich.

8:10. And herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you who
have begun not only to do but also to be willing, a year ago.

8:11. Now therefore perform ye it also in deed: that as your mind is
forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which
you have.

8:12. For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which
a man hath: not according to that which he hath not.

8:13. For I mean not that others should be eased and you burdened, but
by an equality.

8:14. In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that
their abundance also may supply your want: that there may be an
equality,

8:15. As it is written: He that had much had nothing over; and he that
had little had no want.

8:16. And thanks be to God, who hath given the same carefulness for you
in the heart of Titus.

8:17. For indeed he accepted the exhortation: but, being more careful,
of his own will he went unto you.

8:18. We have sent also with him the brother whose praise is in the
gospel through all the churches.

8:19. And not that only: but he was also ordained by the churches
companion of our travels, for this grace, which is administered by us,
to the glory of the Lord and our determined will:

8:20. Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance
which is administered by us.

8:21. For we forecast what may be good, not only before God but al