< 哥林多後書 9 >
1 真實,關於供應聖徒之事,我給你們寫信原是多餘的,
It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,
for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.
3 對這事,我曾向馬其頓人誇耀過你們,說阿哈雅從去年就預備好了,並且你們的慹心曾激勵了很多的人,3. 不過,我打發那幾位弟兄去,好使我們在方面所誇耀於們的,不至於落空,好叫你們正如我所說過的,準備好了,
But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared,
4 免得萬一馬其頓人與我同去,見你們沒有準備好,使我們在這件事上受到羞辱,那更不要說你們了。
so that I won't by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) should be disappointed in this confidence.
5 所以我認為必須請求那幾位弟兄先到你們那裏,把你們從前所應許過的大量捐助先準備好,齊備的好像是出於大方,而不是出於小氣。
I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you, and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.
6 再說:小量撒種的,也要小量收穫;大量播種的,也要大量收穫。
Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 每人照心中所酌量的捐助,不要心痛,也不要勉強,因為『天主愛樂捐的人。』
Each person should give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 天主能豐厚地賜與你們各種恩惠,使你們在一切事上常十分充足,能多多行各種善事,
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
9 正如經上記載說:『衪博施濟貧,衪的仁義永世常存。』 (aiōn )
As it is written, "He has scattered, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." (aiōn )
10 那供給播種者種子,而又供給食糧作吃食的,必要供給和增多你們的種子,且使你們仁義的出產增加,
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;
11 叫你們事事富足,以致十分慷慨,致使人因此藉著我們而產生出感謝天主的心情,
you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.
12 因為辨這種供應的事,不但補足了聖徒的貧乏,而還可叫許多人多多感謝天主。
For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many thanksgivings to God;
13 藉著這次供應的證明,他們必要因你們而明認和服從基督的福音,和你們對他們以及眾人的慷慨捐助,而光榮天主;
seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all;
14 同時,他們也必因天主在你們身上所賜的鴻恩,而為你們祈禱,而響往你們。
while they themselves also, with petition on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift.