³¹ Pray that I may be kept safe^(A) from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution^(B) I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people^(C) there,

¹⁹ What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us^(A) as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.^{(B) 20} We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. ²¹ For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.^(C)

²² In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. ²³ As for Titus,^(D) he is my partner^(E) and co-worker^(F) among you; as for our brothers,^(G) they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. ²⁴ Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you,^(H) so that the churches can see it.

9 There is no need^(A) for me to write to you about this service^(B) to the Lord’s people.^(C)

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs^(A) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.^{(B) 13} Because of the service^(C) by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God^(D) for the obedience that accompanies your confession^(E) of the gospel of Christ,^(F) and for your generosity^(G) in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴ And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God^(H) for his indescribable gift!^(I)