1 Corinthians 16

1 Now, concerning the collection which is for the saints, just as I directed the assemblies of Galatia, so, also do, ye: —

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 Upon the first of the week, let, each one of you, put, by itself, in store, as he may be prospering, —lest, as soon as I come, then, collections, should be in progress.

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 And, as soon as I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve by letters, these, will I send, to bear away your favour unto 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 be meet that, I also, be journeying, with me, shall they journey.

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

5 Now I will come unto you, as soon as I have passed through Macedonia, —for I do pass 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, with you, I may perhaps sojourn, or winter, that, ye, may set me forward, whithersoever I may be journeying.

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 For I do not wish to see you, just now, by the way; for I hope to remain, some time, with you, —if, the Lord, permit.

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 But I remain in Ephesus, until the Pentecost,

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

9 For, a door, unto me, hath opened, great and effectual, and, opposers, are many.

[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 But, if Timothy should come, see that, without fear, he be with you, for, in the work of the Lord, doth he labour, even as, I:

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

11 Let no one then despise him; and set ye him forward in peace, that he may come unto me, for I expect him with the brethren.

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 But, concerning Apollos the brother, much, did I beseech him, that he would come unto you, with the brethren, but there was, by no means, any will, that he should come, now; —he will come, however, as soon as he hath 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 on the watch, stand firm in the faith, be men—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, all your affairs, in love, be carried on.

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

15 Now I beseech you, brethren, —ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is a first-fruit of Achaia, and, for the purpose of ministering, they devoted themselves, unto the saints—

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 That, ye also, be submitting yourselves unto such as these, —and unto everyone helping in the work and toiling.

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 Rejoice, moreover, in the presence of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus: because, your own shortcoming, these, have filled up: —

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 given rest, in fact, unto my spirit, and yours: hold in acknowledgment, therefore, such 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 assemblies of Asia salute you: Aquila and Priscilla, with the assembly meeting at their house, salute you much in the Lord:

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 the brethren salute you: —Salute ye one another with a holy 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 The salutation of Paul—with my own hand.

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 If anyone doth not dearly love the Lord, let him be anathema [that is, "accursed"]: Maran atha [that is, "The Lord, cometh"].

(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 The favour 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, be with you all, in Christ Jesus.

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