But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace wasn’t wasted on me. No, I worked harder than all the other apostles—though it wasn’t me doing the work. God’s grace was with me.
I know how much you want to do that. I’ve been bragging about you to the people in Macedonia. I’ve been telling them that you who live in Achaia have been ready to give since last year. Your eagerness has stirred up most of them to give as well.
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. When he arrived and saw what God’s grace had done, he was very happy. He told them all to remain true to the Lord with their whole hearts. Even more people came to know the Lord.
When I was with you and needed something, I didn’t make you pay for it. The believers who came from Macedonia provided everything I needed. I haven’t made you pay for anything at all, and I won’t ever do that.
If people from Macedonia come with me and discover that you’re not ready, then we’ll be embarrassed for having been so confident about you. And you’ll be even more embarrassed!