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.

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 every week each of you should put by what he can afford, so that no collections need be made after I have 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 On my arrival, I will send any persons, whom you may authorize by letter, to carry your 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 and, if it appears to be worth while 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 I will come to you as soon as I have been through Macedonia – for I am going through Macedonia –

I shall come to you after passing through Macedonia; for my plan will be to pass through Macedonia;

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.

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 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.

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

I shall remain in Ephesus, however, until the time of the Harvest Festival,

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

for a wide door stands open before me which demands great efforts, and we have many opponents.

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.

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

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 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.

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

Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith; acquit yourselves like men; be strong.

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

Let all that you do be done from motives of love.

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.

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

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

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

They have refreshed my spirit, and yours. Acknowledge such men as these.

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

The brethren all send greetings to you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

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

The final greeting of me--Paul--with my own hand.

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

If any one is destitute of love to the Lord, let him be accursed. OUR LORD IS COMING.

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

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

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

My love in Christ Jesus be with you all.