1 Corinthians 16
1 Now about “collecting money for fellow-believers.” I'm giving you the same instructions for you to follow as I did to the churches in Galatia.
But concerning the contribution to the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, so you also do.
2 On the first day of the week everybody should set aside some money you've earned. I don't want there to be any collections to have to be made when I'm with you.
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay by with himself treasuring up, that as to whatsoever he may be prospered, in order that there may be no collections at that time when I may come.
3 When I get there I will write recommendation letters for whoever you choose, and they will take your donation to Jerusalem.
But when I may be present, whomsoever you may approve by your letters, these will I send to carry away your benefaction to Jerusalem:
4 If it works out for me to go too, they can come with me.
if it may be counted worthy for me also to go, they shall go along with me.
5 After I've been to Macedonia, I plan to come and visit you. I pass that way through Macedonia
But I will come to you when I may go through Macedonia; for I do go through Macedonia;
6 and I may stay with you for a while, perhaps spend the winter, and then you can send me on my way to wherever I'm headed.
and perhaps I may abide with you, and even spend the winter with you, in order that you may send me forward whithersoever I may go.
7 This time I don't want to come and see you for just a short time. I hope I can stay for a while with you, if that's what the Lord permits.
For I do not wish merely to see you in my journey; for I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord may permit.
8 However, I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,
But I shall abide in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9 because a tremendous door of opportunity has opened up for me there, though there are plenty who oppose me.
for a door is opened unto me great and effectual, and there are many antagonizing.
10 Now if Timothy arrives, make sure that he has nothing to fear by being with you, for he's working for the Lord just as I am.
But if Timothy may come, see that he may be with you without fear; for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I also:
11 Don't let anyone look down on him. Cheerfully send him on his way so he can come and see me—the brothers and sisters and I are waiting for him.
therefore let no one snub him. But send him forth in peace, in order that he may come to me: for I await him with the brethren.
12 As for our brother Apollos: I urged him to go and see you together with the other believers, but he wasn't willing to go at the moment. He'll come and visit when he gets the chance.
But concerning brother Apollos, I entreated him much, that he may come to you with the brethren: but it was not altogether his will that he may come now; but he will come when he may have opportunity.
13 Stay alert. Stand firm in your trust in God. Take courage. Be strong.
Watch, stand in the faith, be men, be strong.
14 Whatever you do, do it in love.
Let all your affairs be in divine love.
15 You know that Stephanas and his family were among the first converts in Achaia, and they dedicated themselves to helping God's people. I'm pleading with you, my brothers and sisters,
But I exhort you, brethren; (know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruit of Achaia, and they have set themselves to minister unto the saints),
16 to respect their leadership, and everyone who helps the work with such dedication.
in order that you may indeed be in subjection unto such, and to every one laboring with you and toiling.
17 I'm delighted that Stephanas, Fortunatas, and Achaicus have arrived here, for they did what you weren't able to.
But I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: because they have supplied your deficiency:
18 They have been a great source of encouragement to me, and to you. People like that deserve your recognition.
for they refreshed my spirit and yours. Acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.
19 The churches of Asia send their greetings. Aquila and Priscilla, along with the church that meets in their home, send their best wishes.
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca along with the church and their house salute you.
20 All the brothers and sisters here send their greetings. Greet one another affectionately.
All the brethren salute you. Salute you one another with a holy kiss.
21 I Paul write this greeting with my own hand.
The salutation of me Paul with my own hand.
22 Anyone who doesn't love the Lord should be excluded from the church. Come Lord!
If any one loves not the Lord as a friend, let him be anathema Maran atha.
23 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
My love with you all in Christ Jesus.
