Generosity in Giving. 1^* We want you to know, brothers,^* of the grace of God^* that has been given to the churches of Macedonia,^a 2^* for in a severe test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3^* For according to their means, I can testify, and beyond their means, spontaneously, 4they begged us insistently for the favor of taking part in the service to the holy ones,^b 5and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us^* through the will of God, 6so that we urged Titus^* that, as he had already begun, he should also complete for you this gracious act also.^c 7^* Now as you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you,^d may you excel in this gracious act also.