Corinthios Ii 9

1 Nam de ministerio, quod fit in sanctos ex abundanti est mihi scribere vobis.

But there is no need for me to say anything in my letter about the giving to the saints:

2 Scio enim promptum animum vestrum: pro quo de vobis glorior apud Macedones. Quoniam et Achaia parata est ab anno praeterito, et vestra aemulatio provocavit plurimos.

For I have before made clear to those of Macedonia my pride in your ready mind, saying to them that Achaia has been ready for a year back; and a great number have been moved to do the same by your example.

3 Misimus autem fratres: ut ne quod gloriamur de vobis, evacuetur in hac parte, ut (quemadmodum dixi) parati sitis:

But I have sent the brothers, so that the good things we said about you may be seen to be true, and that, as I said, you may be ready:

4 ne cum venerint Macedones mecum, et invenerint vos imparatos, erubescamus nos (ut non dicamus vos) in hac substantia.

For fear that, if any from Macedonia come with me, and you are not ready, we (not to say, you) might be put to shame in this thing.

5 Necessarium ergo existimavi rogare fratres, ut praeveniant ad vos, et praeparent repromissam benedictionem hanc paratam esse sic, quasi benedictionem, non tamquam avaritiam.

So it seemed to me wise for the brothers to go before, and see that the amount which you had undertaken to give was ready, so that it might be a cause for praise, and not as if we were making profit out of you.

6 Hoc autem dico: Qui parce seminat, parce et metet: et qui seminat in benedictionibus, de benedictionibus et metet.

But in the Writings it says, He who puts in only a small number of seeds, will get in the same; and he who puts them in from a full hand, will have produce in full measure from them.

7 Unusquisque prout destinavit in corde suo, non ex tristitia, aut ex necessitate: hilarem enim datorem diligit Deus.

Let every man do after the purpose of his heart; not giving with grief, or by force: for God takes pleasure in a ready giver.

8 Potens est autem Deus omnem gratiam abundare facere in vobis: ut in omnibus semper omnem sufficientiam habentes, abundetis in omne opus bonum,

And God is able to give you all grace in full measure; so that ever having enough of all things, you may be full of every good work:

9 sicut scriptum est: Dispersit, dedit pauperibus: iustitia eius manet in saeculum saeculi. (aiōn g165)

As it is said in the Writings, He has sent out far and wide, he has given to the poor; his righteousness is for ever. (aiōn g165)

10 Qui autem administrat semen seminanti: et panem ad manducandum praestabit, et multiplicabit semen vestrum, et augebit incrementa frugum iustitiae vestrae:

And he who gives seed for putting into the field and bread for food, will take care of the growth of your seed, at the same time increasing the fruits of your righteousness;

11 ut in omnibus locupletati abundetis in omnem simplicitatem, quae operatur per nos gratiarum actionem Deo.

Your wealth being increased in everything, with a simple mind, causing praise to God through us.

12 Quoniam ministerium huius officii non solum supplet ea, quae desunt sanctis, sed etiam abundat per multas gratiarum actiones in Domino,

For this work of giving not only takes care of the needs of the saints, but is the cause of much praise to God;

13 per probationem ministerii huius, glorificantes Deum in obedientia confessionis vestrae, in Evangelium Christi, et simplicitate communicationis in illos, et in omnes,

For when, through this work of giving, they see what you are, they give glory to God for the way in which you have given yourselves to the good news of Christ, and for the wealth of your giving to them and to all;

14 et in ipsorum obsecratione pro vobis, desiderantium vos propter eminentem gratiam Dei in vobis.

While their hearts go out to you in love and in prayer for you, because of the great grace of God which is in you.

15 Gratias ago Deo super inenarrabili dono eius.

Praise be to God for what he has given, which words have no power to say.