1 Corinthians 16

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.

With reference to the collection for Christ’s people, I want you to follow the instructions that I gave to the churches in Galatia.

2 On the first day of every week, let each one of you save as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.

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.

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

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

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

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

5 I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.

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

6 But with you it may be that I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.

And I will 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.

7 For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

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.

8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,

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

9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

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

10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

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.

11 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.

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

12 Now concerning Apollos the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.

As for our friend 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.

13 Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!

Be watchful; stand firm in your faith; be brave; be strong.

14 Let all that you do be done in love.

Let everything you do be done in a loving spirit.

15 Now I beg 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—

I have another request to make of you, friends. 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.

16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labours.

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

17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.

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

18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

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

19 The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.

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.

20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

All of the Lord’s followers send you greetings. Greet one another with a sacred kiss.

21 This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.

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

22 If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!

Accursed be anyone who has no love for the Lord. THE LORD IS COMING.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

May the blessing of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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