1 Corinthians 16

1 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.

Now concerning the collections that are made for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye also.

2 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.

On the first day of the week let every one of you put apart with himself, laying up what it shall well please him; that when I come, the collections be not then to be made.

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

And when I shall be with you, whomsoever you shall approve by letters, them will I send to carry your grace to Jerusalem.

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

And if it be meet that I also go, they shall go with me.

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

Now I will come to you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia. For I shall pass through Macedonia.

6 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.

And with you perhaps I shall abide, or even spend the winter: that you may bring me on my way whithersoever I shall go.

7 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.

For I will not see you now by the way, for I trust that I shall abide with you some time, if the Lord permit.

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

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

9 [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].

For a great door and evident is opened unto me: and many adversaries.

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

Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear, for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11 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].

Let no man therefore despise him, but conduct ye him on his way in peace: that he may come to me. For I look for him with the brethren.

12 [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.

And touching our brother Apollo, I give you to understand, that I much entreated him to come unto you with the brethren: and indeed it was not his will at all to come at this time. But he will come when he shall have leisure.

13 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].

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, do manfully, and be strengthened.

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

Let all your things be done in charity.

15 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.

And I beseech you, brethren, you know the house of Stephanas, and of Fortunatus, and of Achaicus, that they are the firstfruits of Achaia, and have dedicated themselves to the ministry of the saints:

16 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.

That you also be subject to such, and to every one that worketh with us, and laboureth.

17 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].

And I rejoice in the presence of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, because that which was wanting on your part, they have supplied.

18 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.

For they have refreshed both my spirit and yours. Know them, therefore, that are such.

19 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.

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house, with whom I also lodge.

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

All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.

21 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.

The salutation of me Paul, with my own hand.

22 (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)!

If any man love not our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha.

23 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.)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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

My charity be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.