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.

As to the collection for God's people, what I have directed the Churches of Galatia to do, you must do 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 every week let each of you put on one side and store up at his home whatever gain has been granted to him; so that whenever I come, there may then be no collections going on.

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

And when I am with you, whatever brethren you accredit by letter I will send to carry your kind gift to Jerusalem.

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

And if it is worth while for me also to make the journey, they shall go as my companions.

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

I shall come to you after passing through Macedonia; for my plan will be to 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 I shall make some stay with you perhaps, or even spend the winter with you, in order that you may help me forward, whichever way I travel.

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 on this occasion merely in passing; but if the Lord permits, I hope to remain some time with you.

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

I shall remain in Ephesus, however, until the time of the Harvest 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].

for a wide door stands open before me which demands great efforts, and we have many opponents.

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

If Timothy pays you a visit, see that he is free from fear in his relations with you; for he is engaged in the Master's work 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].

Therefore let no one slight him, but all of you should help him forward in peace to join me; for I am waiting for him and others of 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 for our brother Apollos, I have repeatedly urged him to accompany the brethren who are coming to you: but he is quite resolved not to do so at present. He will come, however, when he has 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].

Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith; acquit yourselves like men; be strong.

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

Let all that you do be done from motives of 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.

And I beseech you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, how they were the earliest Greek converts to Christ, and have devoted themselves to the service of 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.

I beseech you, on your part, to show deference to such men, and to every one who participates in their work and toils 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].

It is a joy to me that Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus have now arrived, because what was wanting so far as you are concerned 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.

They have refreshed my spirit, and yours. Acknowledge such men as these.

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 in the province of Asia send you greetings; and Aquila and Prisca, in hearty Christian love, do the same, together with the Church which meets at 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].

The brethren all send greetings to 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.

The final greeting 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 one is destitute of love to the Lord, let him be accursed. OUR LORD IS COMING.

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 in Christ Jesus be with you all.