1For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints;
1論到供給聖徒的事，我不必寫信給你們；
2for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, [namely], that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
2因為我知道你們樂意的心，常對馬其頓人誇獎你們，說亞該亞人預備好了，已經有一年了；並且你們的熱心激動了許多人。
3But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared;
3但我打發那幾位弟兄去，要叫你們照我的話預備妥當；免得我們在這事上誇獎你們的話落了空。
4otherwise if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we-- not to speak of you-- will be put to shame by this confidence.
4萬一有馬其頓人與我同去，見你們沒有預備，就叫我們所確信的，反成了羞愧；你們羞愧，更不用說了。
5So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness.
5因此，我想不得不求那幾位弟兄先到你們那裡去，把從前所應許的捐貲預備妥當，就顯出你們所捐的是出於樂意，不是出於勉強。
6Now this [I say], he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
6少種的少收，多種的多收，這話是真的。
7Each one [must do] just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
7各人要隨本心所酌定的，不要作難，不要勉強，因為捐得樂意的人是神所喜愛的。
8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
8神能將各樣的恩惠多多的加給你們，使你們凡事常常充足，能多行各樣善事。
9as it is written, 'HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.'
9如經上所記：他施捨錢財，賙濟貧窮；他的仁義存到永遠。
10Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;
10那賜種給撒種的，賜糧給人吃的，必多多加給你們種地的種子，又增添你們仁義的果子；
11you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
11叫你們凡事富足，可以多多施捨，就藉著我們使感謝歸於神。
12For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
12因為辦這供給的事，不但補聖徒的缺乏，而且叫許多人越發感謝神。
13Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for [your] obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,
13他們從這供給的事上得了憑據，知道你們承認基督順服他的福音，多多的捐錢給他們和眾人，便將榮耀歸與神。
14while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
14他們也因神極大的恩賜顯在你們心裡，就切切的想念你們，為你們祈禱。
15Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
15感謝神，因他有說不盡的恩賜！