1. Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you.
2. For I know your eagerness, and I brag about you to the Macedonians: “Achaia has been prepared since last year,” and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
3. But I sent the brothers so our boasting about you in the matter would not prove empty, and so you would be prepared just as I said.
4. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be embarrassed in that situation.
5. Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.