1 Corinthians 16

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do all of you.

With reference to the collection for Christ’s people, I want you to follow the instructions that I gave to the churches in Galatia.

2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

On the first day of every week each of you should put by what he can afford, so that no collections need be made after I have come.

3 And when I come, whomsoever all of you shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

On my arrival, I will send any persons, whom you may authorize by letter, to carry your gift to Jerusalem;

4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

and, if it appears to be worth while for me to go also, they will go with me.

5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

I will come to you as soon as I have been through Macedonia – for I am going through Macedonia –

6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that all of you may bring me on my journey anywhere I go.

And I will probably make some stay with you or, perhaps, remain for the winter, so that you may yourselves send me on my way, wherever I may be going.

7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

I do not propose to pay you a visit in passing now, for I hope to stay with you for some time, if the Lord permits.

8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

I intend, however, staying at Ephesus until the Festival at the close of the Harvest;

9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

for a great opening for active work has presented itself, and there are many opponents.

10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he works the work of the Lord, as I also do.

If Timothy comes, take care that he has no cause for feeling anxious while he is with you. He is doing the Master’s work no less than I am.

11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

No one, therefore, should slight him. See him safely on his way to me, for I am expecting him with some of our friends.

12 As concerning our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

As for our friend Apollos, I have often urged him to go to you with the others. He has, however, been very unwilling to do so as yet; but he will go as soon as he finds a good opportunity.

13 Watch all of you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Be watchful; stand firm in your faith; be brave; be strong.

14 Let all your things be done with love. (agape)

Let everything you do be done in a loving spirit.

15 I plead to (all of you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, )

I have another request to make of you, friends. You remember Stephanas and his household, and that they were the first-fruits gathered in from Greece, and set themselves to serve Christ’s people.

16 That all of you submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helps with us, and labours.

I want you, on your part, to show deference to such people as these, as well as to every fellow laborer and earnest worker.

17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

I am glad Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have come, for they have made up for your absence;

18 For they have refreshed my spirit (pneuma) and your's: therefore acknowledge all of you them that are such.

they have cheered my heart, and your hearts also. Recognize the worth of such people as these.

19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

The churches in Roman Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Prisca and the church that meets at their house send you many Christian greetings.

20 All the brethren greet you. Greet all of you one another with an holy kiss.

All of the Lord’s followers send you greetings. Greet one another with a sacred kiss.

21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

I, Paul, add this greeting in my own handwriting.

22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

Accursed be anyone who has no love for the Lord. THE LORD IS COMING.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

May the blessing of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love (agape) be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

My love to all of you who are in union with Christ Jesus.