1. For, indeed, concerning the ministration that [is] for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you,
2. for I have known your readiness of mind, which in your behalf I boast of to Macedonians, that Achaia hath been prepared a year ago, and the zeal of you did stir up the more part,
3. and I sent the brethren, that our boasting on your behalf may not be made vain in this respect; that, according as I said, ye may be ready,
4. lest if Macedonians may come with me, and find you unprepared, we--we may be put to shame (that we say not--ye) in this same confidence of boasting.
5. Necessary, therefore, I thought [it] to exhort the brethren, that they may go before to you, and may make up before your formerly announced blessing, that this be ready, as a blessing, and not as covetousness.