1 Corinthians 16

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

Now [I will reply to another question that you asked. You asked] about the [money you are] collecting [to send] to God’s people [in Jerusalem]. Do what I told the congregations in Galatia to do.

2 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.

Every Sunday each of you should set aside [at home] some funds [EUP] [for this purpose], in proportion to how much [God] has prospered you. Then you should save it up, so that when I arrive there, you will not need to collect [any more money. Choose some men whom you approve of, to take] this money to Jerusalem.

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

Then, when I arrive, I will write letters stating that you have authorized these men to take the funds there.

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

And if [you] (OR, [I]) think that it is appropriate, I will go with them.

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

Now I plan to travel through Macedonia [province]. I [plan to] come to visit you, but I want to go through Macedonia first.

6 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.

Perhaps I will stay with you for a short while, or I may stay with you for the whole winter, in order that you yourselves can provide some of the things [that I will need] [EUP] for my next trip.

7 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.

I do not want to see you just for a short time and then continue my trip. I am hoping to stay with you for a while, if the Lord [Jesus] allows me to do that.

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

But I will stay [here] in Ephesus [city] until [after] the Pentecost [festival].

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

[I want to do that] because [God] has given me a great opportunity [MET] [to proclaim his good message here]. [As a result of my work here, God is producing] great results. I also want to stay here because there are many people here who oppose [my work, and I need to refute them].

10 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.

When Timothy arrives [there in Corinth], treat him respectfully [LIT], because he is working for the Lord just as I am.

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

Do not let anyone despise him. And when he leaves there, give him some of the things that he needs [for his trip] [EUP] [here], and also [ask God to] bless him. I am waiting for him to come, along with the other fellow believers [who have been traveling with him].

12 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.

[You also asked] about our fellow believer, Apollos. I urged him strongly that he should go back to you with the three fellow believers [who came here from Corinth]. He was not at all willing to go [now], but he will go later, when he has an opportunity.

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

Be on guard [against anything that would hinder you spiritually]. You have believed [the true message]; continue believing it firmly. Be courageous. Keep strong [in your relationship with God].

14 Let everything you do be done in a loving spirit.

Act in a loving [way] in everything that [you do].

15 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.

You know that Stephanas and his family were the first ones [there] in Achaia [province to believe in Christ] [IDM]. They have devoted themselves to helping God’s people.

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

My fellow believers, I urge you to submit yourselves to them and to people like them who do [God’s] work and who work hard.

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

I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus arrived here [from Corinth], because [they did things for] me that you were not able to do [because you were not with me].

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

They comforted and encouraged me [SYN], and [I expect that this news from me] will do the same for you. You should honor [them, and you should also honor] others like them.

19 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.

The congregations [here] in Asia [province] (send their greetings to/say that they are thinking fondly of) you. Aquila and [his wife] Priscilla and the congregation that meets in their house (send their warm greetings to/say that they are thinking fondly of) you because both they and you belong to the Lord.

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

All your fellow believers [here] (send their greetings to/say that they are thinking of) you. Greet each other affectionately, as fellow believers [should].

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

Now I, Paul, having taken the pen from the hand of my secretary, write with my own hand to say that I am thinking fondly of you/to give you my greetings. I do this to show you that this letter really comes from me.

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

(I pray that God will/May God) curse/cause bad things to happen to (anyone who does not love the Lord Jesus. I pray that our Lord will come soon/May our Lord come soon)!

23 May the blessing of the Lord Jesus be with you.

I pray that our Lord Jesus will/May our Lord Jesus (continue to act toward you all kindly/in ways that you do not deserve.)

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

I love all of you who have a close relationship with Christ Jesus.