1Concerning the ministration to the k’doshim, it is superfluous for me to write to you. 2For I know that you have made up your minds, and that is why I boasted of you to the Macedonians, stating that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up a great many people. 3Yet I have sent the brethren, so that our pride in you should not be in vain because of this question; for as I have said, you must be prepared, 4lest it happen that some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, and we would be ashamed; for because of our pride in you, we would not say anything which would put the blame on you. 5Therefore I thought it necessary to ask these, my brethren, to go before me to you, and make ready in advance the blessing of which you have long ago been notified, that you might have it ready as a blessing, and not as though it were forced on you.
6But remember this: he who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who sows generously shall reap also generously. 7So let every man give according to what he has decided in his mind, not begrudgingly or of compulsion; for Elohim loves a cheerful giver. 8Elohim is able to make all goodness abound to you, and may you always have enough of everything for yourselves, and may you abound in every good work. 9As it is written, “He has distributed liberally, and given to the poor; and His tzedaka endures forever.” 10Now He who gives seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed, and cause the fruits of your tzedaka to grow, 11that you may be enriched in everything, in all liberality; for such generosity enables us to offer perfect thanksgiving to Elohim. 12For the administration of this service not only supplies the wants of the k’doshim, but it also is made abundant by many thanksgivings to Elohim. 13By this test of charitable service they glorify Elohim, in that you have subjected yourselves to HaEmunah of HaB’sorah of Mashi’akh, and through your generosity you have become partakers with them, and with all men, 14and they offer prayer on your behalf with greater love, because of the abundance of the grace of Elohim which has been on you. 15Thanks be to Elohim for His incomparable gift.
Coming Soon! We are working daily on translating the remainder of the Brit Khadashah from Aramaic to Hebrew. Check back soon for this chapter’s Hebrew version!
D'var יהוה , The Word of יהוה 