³ For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,^(A) and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing^(B) in this service^(C) to the Lord’s people.^{(D) 5} And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.