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: —

With reference to the Collection for Christ’s People, I want you to follow the instructions that I gave to the Churches in Galatia.

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.

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.

3 And, as soon as I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve by letters, these, will I send, to bear away your favour unto Jerusalem:

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

4 And, if it be meet that, I also, be journeying, with me, shall they journey.

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

5 Now I will come unto you, as soon as I have passed through Macedonia, —for I do pass through Macedonia,

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

6 And, with you, I may perhaps sojourn, or winter, that, ye, may set me forward, whithersoever I may be journeying.

And I shall 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.

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 propose to pay you a visit in passing now, for I hope to stay with you for some time, if the Lord permits.

8 But I remain in Ephesus, until the Pentecost,

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

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

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

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:

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.

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.

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

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.

As for our Brother 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.

13 Be on the watch, stand firm in the faith, be men—be strong;

Be watchful; stand firm in your faith; show yourselves men; be strong.

14 Let, all your affairs, in love, be carried on.

Let everything you do be done in a loving spirit.

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—

I have another request to make of you, Brothers. 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.

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

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

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

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

18 They have given rest, in fact, unto my spirit, and yours: hold in acknowledgment, therefore, such as these.

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

19 The assemblies of Asia salute you: Aquila and Priscilla, with the assembly meeting at their house, salute you much in the Lord:

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.

20 All the brethren salute you: —Salute ye one another with a holy kiss.

All our brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a sacred kiss.

21 The salutation of Paul—with my own hand.

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

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

Accursed be any one who has no love for the Lord. THE LORD IS COMING.

23 The favour of the Lord Jesus, be with you.

May the blessing of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love, be with you all, in Christ Jesus.

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