1. Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,
2. that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity.
3. For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily,
4. begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints.