8:1 Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, 1 the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, 8:2 that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth 2 of their generosity. 8:3 For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, 3 8:4 begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping 4 the saints. 8:5 And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.