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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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].

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

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].

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.

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].

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

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.

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.

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].

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.

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.

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].

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.

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)!

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.)

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