< 1 Corinthians 16 >
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, you do likewise.
As to the collection for God's people, what I have directed the Churches of Galatia to do, you must do also.
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 let each of you put on one side and store up at his home whatever gain has been granted to him; so that whenever I come, there may then be no collections going on.
3 When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
And when I am with you, whatever brethren you accredit by letter I will send to carry your kind gift to Jerusalem.
4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
And if it is worth while for me also to make the journey, they shall go as my companions.
5 But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.
I shall come to you after passing through Macedonia; for my plan will be to pass 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.
and I shall make some stay with you perhaps, or even spend the winter with you, in order that you may help me forward, whichever way I travel.
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 wish to see you on this occasion merely in passing; but if the Lord permits, I hope to remain some time with you.
8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,
I shall remain in Ephesus, however, until the time of the Harvest Festival,
9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
for a wide door stands open before me which demands great efforts, and we have many opponents.
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 pays you a visit, see that he is free from fear in his relations with you; for he is engaged in the Master's work 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.
Therefore let no one slight him, but all of you should help him forward in peace to join me; for I am waiting for him and others of the brethren.
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.
As for our brother Apollos, I have repeatedly urged him to accompany the brethren who are coming to you: but he is quite resolved not to do so at present. He will come, however, when he has a good opportunity.
13 Watch. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith; acquit yourselves like men; be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Let all that you do be done from motives of 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),
And I beseech you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, how they were the earliest Greek converts to Christ, and have devoted themselves to the service of God's people--
16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
I beseech you, on your part, to show deference to such men, and to every one who participates in their work and toils hard.
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
It is a joy to me that Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus have now arrived, because what was wanting so far as you are concerned they have supplied.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
They have refreshed my spirit, and yours. Acknowledge such men as these.
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; and Aquila and Prisca, in hearty Christian love, do the same, together with the Church which meets at their house.
20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The brethren all send greetings to you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.
The final greeting of me--Paul--with my own hand.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come.
If any one is destitute of love to the Lord, let him be accursed. OUR LORD IS COMING.
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 Christ Jesus.
My love in Christ Jesus be with you all.