1 Corinthians 16

1 With reference to the Collection for Christ’s People, I want you to follow the instructions that I gave to the Churches in Galatia.

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.

2 On the first day of every week each of you should put by what he can afford, so that no collections need be made after I have come.

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you set apart something, putting it into the treasury, according as he is prospered: that there may be no need of collections, when I come.

3 On my arrival, I will send any persons, whom you may authorise by letter, to carry your gift to Jerusalem;

And when I am with you, whomsoever ye shall approve, I will send, with your letters, to carry your bounty to Jerusalem.

4 and, if it appears to be worth while for me to go also, they shall go with me.

And if it be requisite for me to go also, they shall go with me.

5 I will come to you as soon as I have been through Macedonia — for I am going through Macedonia —

I will come to you, when I have passed through Macedonia; for I am to pass through Macedonia.

6 And I shall probably make some stay with you or, perhaps, remain for the winter, so that you may yourselves send me on my way, wherever I may be going.

And perhaps I shall stay a while, or even pass the winter with you; that ye may forward me on my journey, whithersoever I go.

7 I do not propose to pay you a visit in passing now, for I hope to stay with you for some time, if the Lord permits.

For I do not intend to see you now in my way, as I hope to stay some time with you, if the Lord permit.

8 I intend, however, staying at Ephesus till the Festival at the close of the Harvest;

But I shall stay at Ephesus till Pentecost. For a great and effectual door is opened to me,

9 for a great opening for active work has presented itself, and there are many opponents.

though there are many opposers.

10 If Timothy comes, take care that he has no cause for feeling anxious while he is with you. He is doing the Master’s work no less than I am.

If Timothy should come, see that he be with you without fear: for he is employed in the work of the Lord, as I also am.

11 No one, therefore, should slight him. See him safely on his way to me, for I am expecting him with some of our Brothers.

Let no one therefore despise him: but forward him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren. As to our brother Apollos,

12 As for our Brother Apollos, I have often urged him to go to you with the others. He has, however, been very unwilling to do so as yet; but he will go as soon as he finds a good opportunity.

I much importuned him to come to you with the brethren: but he was not at all willing to come now; though he will come when he has a favorable opportunity.

13 Be watchful; stand firm in your faith; show yourselves men; be strong.

Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, behave like men, be strong:

14 Let everything you do be done in a loving spirit.

and let all your affairs be carried on in love.

15 I have another request to make of you, Brothers. You remember Stephanas and his household, and that they were the first-fruits gathered in from Greece, and set themselves to serve Christ’s People.

I beseech you, brethren, (for ye know the family of Stephanas, that they are the first-fruits of Achaia, and

16 I want you, on your part, to show deference to such men as these, as well as to every fellow labourer and earnest worker.

have set themselves to minister to the saints) that you also would be subservient to such, and to every one that worketh and laboureth with us.

17 I am glad Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have come, for they have made up for your absence;

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus: for what was wanting in you, they have made up.

18 they have cheered my heart, and your hearts also. Recognise the worth of such men as these.

For they have refreshed my spirit as well as yours: have a due regard therefore to such worthy persons.

19 The Churches in Roman Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Prisca and the Church that meets at their house send you many Christian greetings.

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla, with the church in their house, salute you in the Lord with much affection:

20 All our brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a sacred kiss.

yea all the brethren salute you. Salute one another with an holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, add this greeting in my own handwriting.

The salutation of me Paul I write with my own hand.

22 Accursed be any one who has no love for the Lord. THE LORD IS COMING.

If any one love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be made a curse.

23 May the blessing of the Lord Jesus be with you.

Maran-atha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24 My love to all of you who are in union with Christ Jesus.

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