< 1 Corinthians 16 >
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, you do likewise.
Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:
2 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.
On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
3 When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me.
5 But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.
After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia.
6 But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.
Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,
But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
11 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.
No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.
12 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.
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
13 Watch. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Do everything in love.
15 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),
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers,
16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the church that is in their house.
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come.
If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love to all of you in Messiah Jesus.
My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.