12. For if the readiness be there, a man is accepted according to what he may have, not according to what he has not.
13. For it is not in order that there may be ease for others, and for you distress,
14. but on the principle of equality; in the present time your abundance for their lack, that their abundance may be for your lack, so that there should be equality.
15. According as it is written, He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little was nothing short.
16. But thanks be to God, who gives the same diligent zeal for you in the heart of Titus.
17. For he received indeed the entreaty, but, being full of zeal, he went of his own accord to you;
18. but we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the glad tidings through all the assemblies;
19. and not only so, but is also chosen by the assemblies as our fellow-traveller with this grace, ministered by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and a witness of our readiness;
20. avoiding this, that any one should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us;
21. for we provide for things honest, not only before the Lord, but also before men.
22. And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved to be of diligent zeal in many things, and now more diligently zealous through the great confidence he has as to you.
23. Whether as regards Titus, he is my companion and fellow-labourer in your behalf; or our brethren, they are deputed messengers of assemblies, Christ's glory.
24. Shew therefore to them, before the assemblies, the proof of your love, and of our boasting about you.