[67] Ἁπλότης is literally simplicity or singleness of heart, the disposition which, when it gives, does so without _arrière-pensée_: in point of fact this is identical with the liberal or generous disposition. Cf. chap. ix. 11, 13; Rom. xii. 8; James i. 5.
[68] Previous to his recent visit? So Schmiedel. Or simply = formerly?
[69] This, according to Hermann (quoted by Meyer), is often the force of ἀλλά, which is certainly a surprising word here.
[70] Translating it, of course, "_was_ poor," or "lived poor": which is not impossible in itself.
[71] The προ in προενήρξασθε seems to mean "before the Macedonians."
[72] The order of "do" and "will" is peculiar and has not been clearly explained.
"But thanks be to God, which putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For indeed he accepted our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord. And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the Gospel _is spread_ through all the Churches; and not only so, but who was also appointed by the Churches to travel with us in _the matter of_ this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and _to show_ our readiness: avoiding this, that any man should blame us in _the matter of_ this bounty which is ministered by us: for we take thought for things honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest by reason of the great confidence which _he hath_ in you. Whether _any inquire_ about Titus, _he is_ my partner, and _my_ fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, _they are_ the messengers of the Churches, _they are_ the glory of Christ. Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the Churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.
"For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your zeal hath stirred up very many of them. But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared: lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence. I thought it necessary therefore to intreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your afore-promised bounty, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion.
"But this _I say_, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. _Let_ each man _do_ according as he hath purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work: as it is written,
He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.
And He that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness: ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God. For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God; seeing that through the proving _of you_ by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the Gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all; while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift."--2 COR. viii. 16-ix. 15 (R.V.).