I asked Titus to go to you, and I sent our brother with him. Titus didn’t take advantage of you, did he? Weren’t he and I guided by the same Spirit to do the very same kinds of things?
The churches chose him to come along with us as we collect the offering and bring it to Jerusalem. We’re carrying out this work because we want to honor the Lord and show how ready we are to help.
Each of you has received a gift that you can use to serve others. You should use it as something that God has trusted you with. These gifts come in many forms.
I’ve already received my full pay, and I have more than enough. I have everything I need, now that Epaphroditus has brought me the gifts you sent. They’re a sweet-smelling offering, a sacrifice that God accepts and that makes him happy.
So I thought I should encourage the brothers to visit you in advance and help you finish collecting the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a gift that’s freely given, not as one that’s given reluctantly.
Even so, I didn’t have any peace of mind, because I couldn’t find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to the believers at Troas and went on to Macedonia.
Here’s what I think would be the best thing for you to do. Last year you were the first ones to give, and you were even the first ones to want to give.