And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,

that no one should be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we were about to suffer affliction, just as it happened, and you know.

Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of Jehovah is your refuge.

And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the Words that had been declared to them.

and sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to each person, as anyone had need.

So continuing day by day with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,

Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.

for they all threw in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty threw in all that she had, her whole livelihood.

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,

And He said, Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than everyone;

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

I know your works, affliction, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those 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.

while you are enriched in everything unto all sincerity, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for your professed obedience to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,

that there be no one in need among you; for Jehovah will greatly bless you in the land which Jehovah your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance;

The blessed soul will be made fat; he who waters shall also be watered himself.

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

Also the implements of the scoundrel are evil; he devises wicked plans to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaks justice.

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

he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with simplicity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.