Corinthios Ii 8
1 Notam autem facimus vobis, fratres, gratiam Dei, quae data est in Ecclesiis Macedoniae:
But we desire to let you know, brethren, of the grace of God which has been bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia;
2 quod in multo experimento tribulationis abundantia gaudii ipsorum fuit, et altissima paupertas eorum abundavit in divitias simplicitatis eorum:
how, while passing through great trouble, their boundless joy even amid their deep poverty has overflowed to increase their generous liberality.
3 quia secundum virtutem testimonium illis reddo, et supra virtutem voluntarii fuerunt,
For I can testify that to the utmost of their power, and even beyond their power, they have of their own free will given help.
4 cum multa exhortatione obsecrantes nos gratiam, et communicationem ministerii, quod fit in Sanctos.
With earnest entreaty they begged from us the favour of being allowed to share in the service now being rendered to God's people.
5 Et non sicut speravimus, sed semetipsos dederunt primum Domino, deinde nobis per voluntatem Dei,
They not only did this, as we had expected, but first of all in obedience to God's will they gave their own selves to the Lord and to us.
6 ita ut rogaremus Titum: ut quemadmodum coepit, ita et perficiat in vobis etiam gratiam istam.
This led us to urge Titus that, as he had previously been the one who commenced the work, so he should now go and complete among you this act of beneficence also.
7 Sed sicut in omnibus abundatis fide, et sermone, et scientia, et omni solicitudine, insuper et charitate vestra in nos, ut et in hac gratia abundetis.
Yes, just as you are already very rich in faith, readiness of speech, knowledge, unwearied zeal, and in the love that is in you, implanted by us, see to it that this grace of liberal giving also flourishes in you.
8 Non quasi imperans dico: sed per aliorum solicitudinem, etiam vestrae charitatis ingenium bonum comprobans.
I am not saying this by way of command, but to test by the standard of other men's earnestness the genuineness of your love also.
9 Scitis enim gratiam Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quoniam propter vos egenus factus est, cum esset dives, ut illius inopia vos divites essetis.
For you know the condescending goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ--how for your sakes He became poor, though He was rich, in order that you through His poverty might grow rich.
10 Et consilium in hoc do: hoc enim vobis utile est, qui non solum facere, sed et velle coepistis ab anno priore:
But in this matter I give you an opinion; for my doing this helps forward your own intentions, seeing that not only have you begun operations, but a year ago you already had the desire to do so.
11 nunc vero et facto perficite: ut quemadmodum promptus est animus voluntatis, ita sit et perficiendi ex eo, quod habetis.
And now complete the doing also, in order that, just as there was then the eagerness in desiring, there may now be the accomplishment in proportion to your means.
12 Si enim voluntas prompta est, secundum id, quod habet, accepta est, non secundum id, quod non habet.
For, assuming the earnest willingness, the gift is acceptable according to whatever a man has, and not according to what he has not.
13 Non enim ut aliis sit remissio, vobis autem tribulatio, sed ex aequalitate.
I do not urge you to give in order that others may have relief while you are unduly pressed,
14 In praesenti tempore vestra abundantia illorum inopiam suppleat: ut et illorum abundantia vestrae inopiae sit supplementum, ut fiat aequalitas, sicut scriptum est:
but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity having in the present emergency supplied their deficiency, their superfluity may in turn be a supply for your deficiency later on, so that there may be equalization of burdens.
15 Qui multum non abundavit: et qui modicum, non minoravit.
Even as it is written, "He who gathered much had not too much, and he who gathered little had not too little."
16 Gratias autem Deo, qui dedit eandem solicitudinem pro vobis in corde Titi,
But thanks be to God that He inspires the heart of Titus with the same deep interest in you;
17 quoniam exhortationem quidem suscepit: sed cum solicitior esset, sua voluntate profectus est ad vos.
for Titus welcomed our request, and, being thoroughly in earnest, comes to you of his own free will.
18 Misimus etiam cum illo fratrem nostrum, cuius laus est in Evangelio per omnes Ecclesias:
And we send with him the brother whose praises for his earnestness in proclaiming the Good News are heard throughout all the Churches.
19 non solum autem, sed et ordinatus est ab Ecclesiis comes peregrinationis nostrae in hanc gratiam, quae ministratur a nobis ad Domini gloriam, et destinatam voluntatem nostram:
And more than that, he is the one who was chosen by the vote of the Churches to travel with us, sharing our commission in the administration of this generous gift to promote the Lord's glory and gratify our own strong desire.
20 devitantes hoc, ne quis nos vituperet in hac plenitudine, quae ministratur a nobis in Domini gloriam.
For against one thing we are on our guard--I mean against blame being thrown upon us in respect to these large and liberal contributions which are under our charge.
21 Providemus enim bona non solum coram Deo, sed etiam coram hominibus.
For we seek not only God's approval of our integrity, but man's also.
22 Misimus autem cum illis et fratrem nostrum, quem probavimus in multis saepe solicitum esse: nunc autem multo solicitiorem, confidentia multa in vos,
And we send with them our brother, of whose zeal we have had frequent proof in many matters, and who is now more zealous than ever through the strong confidence which he has in you.
23 sive pro Tito, qui est socius meus, et in vobis adiutor, sive fratres nostri, Apostoli Ecclesiarum, gloriae Christi.
As for Titus, remember that he is a partner with me, and is my comrade in my labours for you. And as for our brethren, remember that they are delegates from the Churches, and are men in whom Christ is glorified.
24 Ostensionem ergo, quae est charitatis vestrae, et nostrae gloriae pro vobis, in illos ostendite in faciem Ecclesiarum.
Exhibit therefore to the Churches a proof of your love, and a justification of our boasting to these brethren about you.
