And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.

For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.

For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.

We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the bountiful gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.

And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.