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.

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, you do likewise.

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 save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

3 When I get there I will write recommendation letters for whoever you choose, and they will take your donation to Jerusalem.

When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.

4 If it works out for me to go too, they can come with me.

If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go 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 have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing 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.

But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I 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 to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

8 However, I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,

But I will stay at 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 great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

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.

Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

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 despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.

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.

Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.

13 Stay alert. Stand firm in your trust in God. Take courage. Be strong.

Watch. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

14 Whatever you do, do it in love.

Let all that you do be done in 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,

Now I appeal to you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints),

16 to respect their leadership, and everyone who helps the work with such dedication.

that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.

17 I'm delighted that Stephanas, Fortunatas, and Achaicus have arrived here, for they did what you weren't able to.

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.

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. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

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 greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the church that is in their house.

20 All the brothers and sisters here send their greetings. Greet one another affectionately.

All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I Paul write this greeting with my own hand.

This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.

22 Anyone who doesn't love the Lord should be excluded from the church. Come Lord!

If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come.

23 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.