Otherwise, if any Macedonians were to come and find you unprepared, we—not to mention you—would be put to shame in this undertaking.
What I am saying, I am saying not according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this self-confident boasting.
for I know your eagerness. I boast about it to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been preparing for a year already; and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
Therefore, before Messiah’s communities show them the proof of your love and of our boasting about you.
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.
On the first day of the week, let each of you set something aside, saving up whatever is gained, so no collections take place when I come.
I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay. (Not to mention that you owe me your very self.)