< 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 collection which is for the saints, as I have given an order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.
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 set apart with himself, treasuring it up, whatsoever he may please to give, that when I come there may be then no gatherings.
3 Then, when I arrive, I will write letters stating that you have authorized these men to take the funds there.
But when I come, whosoever you shall approve by letters, those will I send to carry your charity to Jerusalem.
4 And if [you] (OR, [I]) think that it is appropriate, I will go with them.
But if it be of importance that I should go also, 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 unto you when I have passed through Macedonia (for I am passing 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 perhaps I shall abide with you, yea and winter with you, that you may send me forward whithersoever I 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 in passing, but I hope to remain some considerable time with you if the Lord permit.
8 But I will stay [here] in Ephesus [city] until [after] the Pentecost [festival].
But I shall abide at Ephesus until the 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 there is opened to me a great door, and effectual, and there are many adversaries.
10 When Timothy arrives [there in Corinth], treat him respectfully [LIT], because he is working for the Lord just as I am.
But if Timothy come, see that he may be among you without fear: for he worketh the Lord’s work, 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 treat him with disrespect; but forward him on his way in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect 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.
As concerning brother Apollos, I besought him much that he would come to you with the brethren; but it was not at all his wish to come at this time: but he will come when he can find a good opportunity.
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, be manful, be strong.
14 Act in a loving [way] in everything that [you do].
Let all your concerns be transacted in love.
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.
Now I exhort you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and they have devoted 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.
wherefore submit yourselves 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].
I rejoice in the arrival of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus; because what was lacking from you, 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 my spirit and yours; respect therefore such men.
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 which is in their house.
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 Paul with mine 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 the 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 love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timothy.