Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to command you what is fitting,

rather on account of love I appeal to you--being such a one as Paul, the elder, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ--

Not that we lord it over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

nor as being masters over the flock [under you], but rather being examples to the flock.

And I know, O Lord, that You are He that searches the hearts, and You love righteousness. I have willingly offered all these things in simplicity of heart. And now I have seen with joy Your people, who are present here, willingly offering to You.

With You is dominion in the day of Your power, in the splendors of Your saints; I have begotten You from the womb before the morning.

Who ever serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink from the milk of the flock?

For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if unwillingly, I have been entrusted with a commission.

For if there is first a readiness, it is acceptable according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

Therefore I thought it necessary to urge the brothers, that they should go before [me] to you, and should arrange in advance your generous gift, which you had previously promised, [that] this would be ready, thus as a blessing and not as grudgingly given.

Let each [one give] just as he decides in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

shepherd the flock of God among you, overseeing not by compulsion, but rather willingly, not in fondness for dishonest gain, but rather eagerly;