Now in these days prophets went down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined as a ministry to send relief to the brothers dwelling in Judea;

Now we make known to you brothers, the grace of God which has been given to the churches of Macedonia,

For I bear witness that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

and not as we hoped, but they first gave their own selves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God,

But as you abound in everything--in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet on account of you He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

For he who sows to his flesh, from his own flesh will reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap everlasting life.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those who are of the household of faith.

He that dishonors the needy, sins, but he that has pity on the poor is most blessed.

He that oppresses the needy provokes his Maker, but he that honors Him has pity upon the poor.

He that laughs at the poor provokes Him that made him, and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless; but he that has compassion shall find mercy.

And I will tend the flock of slaughter in the land of Canaan: and I will take for Myself two rods; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Line; and I will tend the flock.

And it shall be broken in that day; and the Canaanites, the sheep that are kept for me, shall know that it is the word of the Lord.

"And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.'

For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always.

Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

But whenever you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;

I urge you, brothers (you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints)

Because the ministry of this service not only is supplying the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,

hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

Listen, my beloved brothers. Did God not choose the poor of the world [to be] rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those that love Him?

But you have dishonored the poor. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into court?