Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

"Who [is there] even among you who would shut the doors, So that you would not kindle fire [on] My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you," Says the LORD of hosts, "Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.

"I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.

"Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.

If others are partakers of [this] right over you, [are] we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.

Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little.

For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness -- God [is] witness.

not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

For the love of money is a root of all [kinds of] evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the [son] of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

being filled with the fruits of righteousness which [are] by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Woe is me! For I am like those who gather summer fruits, Like those who glean vintage grapes; [There is no] cluster to eat Of the first-ripe fruit [which] my soul desires.

"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.

As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."

while [you are] enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

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

And let our [people] also learn to maintain good works, to [meet] urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.

" He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

"And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold [water] in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."

"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

'I [was] naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'

'When did we see You a stranger and take [You] in, or naked and clothe [You?]

"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 brethren, you did [it] to Me.'

Then He also said to him who invited Him, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.

"And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

For God [is] not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, [in that] you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.