And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit:

For you, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for you yourselves know that we are appointed unto this.

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and you know.

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet wine, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be you grieved; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

And sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their food with gladness and sincerity of heart,

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her poverty did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow has cast in more than they all:

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him?

I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, who causes through us thanksgiving to God.

While by the proof of this ministry they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

Except when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it:

The liberal soul shall be made rich: and he that waters shall be watered also himself.

The foolish person shall be no more called noble, nor the miser said to be bountiful.

The schemes also of the schemer are evil: he devises wicked plans to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaks justly.

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you.

Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it in simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.