]For concerning the service for the saints it is superfluous for
me to write to you; [9:2]for I know your readiness, of which I boasted
in your behalf to the Macedonians that Achaia was ready a year ago, and
your zeal has excited many. [9:3]But I sent the brothers, that our
boasting of you may not be in vain in this respect, as I said you were
prepared, [9:4]lest if the Macedonians should come with me and find you
unprepared, we, not to say you, should be ashamed of this confidence.
[9:5]I thought it necessary, therefore, to exhort the brothers to go to
you before, and to make ready your free gift before announced, that it
may be ready as a free gift and not as an exaction.

5 [9:6]And [consider] this, He that sows sparingly shall reap also
sparingly, and he that sows liberally shall reap also liberally.
[9:7]Let each one contribute as he chooses in his heart, not with
regret or from necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. [9:8]And God
is able to make every favor abound to you, that having always every
sufficiency in every thing you may abound in every good work; [9:9]as
it is written, He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, his
righteousness continues forever. [9:10]And may he that supplies seed to
the sower and bread for eating multiply your grain, and increase the
products of your righteousness; [9:11]that you may be enriched in every
thing for all liberality, which produces through us thanksgiving to
God. [9:12]For the performance of this service not only supplies the
need of the saints, but also abounds with the thanksgivings of many to
God; [9:13][they] glorifying God on account of the proof of this
ministry for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ and the
liberality of the contribution to them and to all, [9:14]and by their
prayer for you, greatly longing for you on account of the abounding
grace of God upon you. [9:15]Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

CHAPTER III.

PAUL'S REPLY TO HIS DETRACTORS.

1 [10:1]I PAUL also exhort you by the meekness and gentleness of
Christ, who in appearance am humble among you, but being absent am bold
towards you; [10:2]and I desire that I may not be bold when present,
with that confidence which I design to use against some who speak of us
as if we walked according to the flesh. [10:3]For though we walk in
the flesh we do not war according to the flesh, [10:4]for the arms of
our warfare are not of flesh, but mighty with God to the pulling down