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 which is for the saints, just as I directed the assemblies of Galatia, so, also do, ye: —

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.

Upon the first of the week, let, each one of you, put, by itself, in store, as he may be prospering, —lest, as soon as I come, then, collections, should be in progress.

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

And, as soon as I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve by letters, these, will I send, to bear away your favour unto Jerusalem:

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

And, if it be meet that, I also, be journeying, with me, shall they journey.

5 After I've been to Macedonia, I plan to come and visit you. I pass that way through Macedonia

Now I will come unto you, as soon as I have passed through Macedonia, —for I do pass 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, with you, I may perhaps sojourn, or winter, that, ye, may set me forward, whithersoever I may be journeying.

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, just now, by the way; for I hope to remain, some time, with you, —if, the Lord, permit.

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

But I remain in Ephesus, until the Pentecost,

9 because a tremendous door of opportunity has opened up for me there, though there are plenty who oppose me.

For, a door, unto me, hath opened, great and effectual, and, opposers, are many.

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 should come, see that, without fear, he be with you, for, in the work of the Lord, doth he labour, even as, I:

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.

Let no one then despise him; and set ye him forward in peace, that he may come unto me, for I expect 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 Apollos the brother, much, did I beseech him, that he would come unto you, with the brethren, but there was, by no means, any will, that he should come, now; —he will come, however, as soon as he hath good opportunity.

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

Be on the watch, stand firm in the faith, be men—be strong;

14 Whatever you do, do it in love.

Let, all your affairs, in love, be carried on.

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 beseech you, brethren, —ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is a first-fruit of Achaia, and, for the purpose of ministering, they devoted themselves, unto the saints—

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

That, ye also, be submitting yourselves unto such as these, —and unto everyone helping in the work and toiling.

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

I Rejoice, moreover, in the presence of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus: because, your own shortcoming, these, have filled up: —

18 They have been a great source of encouragement to me, and to you. People like that deserve your recognition.

They have given rest, in fact, unto my spirit, and yours: hold in acknowledgment, therefore, such as these.

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 assemblies of Asia salute you: Aquila and Priscilla, with the assembly meeting at their house, salute you much in the Lord:

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

All the brethren salute you: —Salute ye one another with a holy kiss.

21 I Paul write this greeting with my own hand.

The salutation of Paul—with my own hand.

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

If anyone doth not dearly love the Lord, let him be anathema [that is, "accursed"]: Maran atha [that is, "The Lord, cometh"].

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

The favour of the Lord Jesus, be with you.

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

My love, be with you all, in Christ Jesus.