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 for the saints, as I commanded the churches of Galatia, you do likewise.

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 each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

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

When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.

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

If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will 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.

But I will come to 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.

But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever 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 do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

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

But I will stay 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 and effective door has opened to me, 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.

Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does 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].

Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.

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.

Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an 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. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

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

Let all that you do be done 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 appeal to you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve 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 in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.

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 at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they 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 refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

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 greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the church that 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 brothers greet you. Greet 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.

This greeting is by 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 anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come.

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 the Lord Jesus be with you.

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

My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.