1 Corinthians 16

1 Now concerning the collections which are made for the saints: just as I have arranged for the churches of Galatia, so should it also be done with you.

Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:

2 On the first day of the week, the Sabbath, let each one of you take from himself, setting aside what will be well-pleasing to him, so that when I arrive, the collections will not have to be made then.

On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.

3 And when I am present, whomever you shall approve through letters, these I shall send to bear your gifts to Jerusalem.

Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

4 And if it is fitting for me to go too, they shall go with me.

And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me.

5 Now I will visit you after I have passed through Macedonia. For I will pass through Macedonia.

After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia.

6 And perhaps I will stay with you, and even spend the winter, so that you may lead me on my way, whenever I depart.

Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.

7 For I am not willing to see you now only in passing, since I hope that I may remain with you for some length of time, if the Lord permits.

For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

8 But I must remain at Ephesus, even until Pentecost.

But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,

9 For a door, great and unavoidable, has opened to me, as well as many adversaries.

because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

10 Now if Timothy arrives, see to it that he may be among you without fear. For he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I also do.

If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.

11 Therefore, let no one despise him. Instead, lead him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me. For I am awaiting him with the brothers.

No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.

12 But concerning our brother, Apollo, I am letting you know that I pleaded with him greatly to go to you with the brothers, and clearly it was not his will to go at this time. But he will arrive when there is a space of time for him.

Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

13 Be vigilant. Stand with faith. Act manfully and be strengthened.

Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

14 Let all that is yours be immersed in charity.

Do everything in love.

15 And I beg you, brothers: You know the house of Stephanus, and of Fortunatus, and of Achaicus, that they are the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have dedicated themselves to the ministry of the saints.

You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers,

16 So you should be subject also to persons such as this, as well as to all who are cooperating and working with them.

to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

17 Now I rejoice in the presence of Stephanus and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because what was lacking in you, they have supplied.

I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.

18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, recognize persons such as this.

For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you greatly in the Lord, with the church of their household, where I also am a guest.

The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

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

All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 This is a greeting from my own hand, Paul.

This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.

22 If anyone does not love our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema! Maran Atha.

If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!

23 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My charity is with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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