1 Corinthians 16
1 And concerning the collection that [is] for the saints, as I directed to the assemblies of Galatia, so also ye — do ye;
Now about “collecting money for fellow-believers.” I'm giving you the same instructions for you to follow as I did to the churches in Galatia.
2 on every first [day] of the week, let each one of you lay by him, treasuring up whatever he may have prospered, that when I may come then collections may not be made;
On the first day of the week everybody should set aside some money you've earned. I don't want there to be any collections to have to be made when I'm with you.
3 and whenever I may come, whomsoever ye may approve, through letters, these I will send to carry your favour to Jerusalem;
When I get there I will write recommendation letters for whoever you choose, and they will take your donation to Jerusalem.
4 and if it be meet for me also to go, with me they shall go.
If it works out for me to go too, they can come with me.
5 And I will come unto you, when I pass through Macedonia — for Macedonia I do pass through —
After I've been to Macedonia, I plan to come and visit you. I pass that way through Macedonia
6 and with you, it may be, I will abide, or even winter, that ye may send me forward whithersoever I go,
and I may stay with you for a while, perhaps spend the winter, and then you can send me on my way to wherever I'm headed.
7 for I do not wish to see you now in the passing, but I hope to remain a certain time with you, if the Lord may permit;
This time I don't want to come and see you for just a short time. I hope I can stay for a while with you, if that's what the Lord permits.
8 and I will remain in Ephesus till the Pentecost,
However, I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 for a door to me hath been opened — great and effectual — and withstanders [are] many.
because a tremendous door of opportunity has opened up for me there, though there are plenty who oppose me.
10 And if Timotheus may come, see that he may become without fear with you, for the work of the Lord he doth work, even as I,
Now if Timothy arrives, make sure that he has nothing to fear by being with you, for he's working for the Lord just as I am.
11 no one, then, may despise him; and send ye him forward in peace, that he may come to me, for I expect him with the brethren;
Don't let anyone look down on him. Cheerfully send him on his way so he can come and see me—the brothers and sisters and I are waiting for him.
12 and concerning Apollos our brother, much I did entreat him that he may come unto you with the brethren, and it was not at all [his] will that he may come now, and he will come when he may find convenient.
As for our brother Apollos: I urged him to go and see you together with the other believers, but he wasn't willing to go at the moment. He'll come and visit when he gets the chance.
13 Watch ye, stand in the faith; be men, be strong;
Stay alert. Stand firm in your trust in God. Take courage. Be strong.
14 let all your things be done in love.
Whatever you do, do it in love.
15 And I entreat you, brethren, ye have known the household of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruit of Achaia, and to the ministration to the saints they did set themselves —
You know that Stephanas and his family were among the first converts in Achaia, and they dedicated themselves to helping God's people. I'm pleading with you, my brothers and sisters,
16 that ye also be subject to such, and to every one who is working with [us] and labouring;
to respect their leadership, and everyone who helps the work with such dedication.
17 and I rejoice over the presence of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, because the lack of you did these fill up;
I'm delighted that Stephanas, Fortunatas, and Achaicus have arrived here, for they did what you weren't able to.
18 for they did refresh my spirit and yours; acknowledge ye, therefore, those who [are] such.
They have been a great source of encouragement to me, and to you. People like that deserve your recognition.
19 Salute you do the assemblies of Asia; salute you much in the Lord do Aquilas and Priscilla, with the assembly in their house;
The churches of Asia send their greetings. Aquila and Priscilla, along with the church that meets in their home, send their best wishes.
20 salute you do all the brethren; salute ye one another in an holy kiss.
All the brothers and sisters here send their greetings. Greet one another affectionately.
21 The salutation of [me] Paul with my hand;
I Paul write this greeting with my own hand.
22 if any one doth not love the Lord Jesus Christ — let him be anathema! The Lord hath come!
Anyone who doesn't love the Lord should be excluded from the church. Come Lord!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ [is] with you;
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 my love [is] with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
