1 Corinthians 16

1 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.

Now concerning the offering for the saints, you also are to do as I directed the church of Galatia.

2 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.

On the first day of each week let each of you put aside something, keeping it in store as he may prosper, so that when I come there may be no collections going on.

3 When I get there I will write recommendation letters for whoever you choose, and they will take your donation to Jerusalem.

On my arrival I will send those whom you may accredit by letter to carry your bounty to Jerusalem.

4 If it works out for me to go too, they can come with me.

And if it is worth while for me to go too, they will accompany me.

5 After I've been to Macedonia, I plan to come and visit you. I pass that way through Macedonia

Now I shall come to you after I have gone through Macedonia.

6 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.

I shall remain some time with you; possibly spending the winter, in order that you may help me forward in whatever journey I take.

7 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.

For I do not wish at this present time to see you merely in passing; but if the Lord permits, I hope to remain some time with you.

8 However, I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,

I am staying for the present in Ephesus, until Pentecost;

9 because a tremendous door of opportunity has opened up for me there, though there are plenty who oppose me.

for a door has opened to me, great and effectual, and the opponents are many.

10 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.

If Timothy come, see to it that he is among you without trepidation; for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I am, so let no one disparage him.

11 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.

Whenever he comes to me, send him on his way in peace, for I am expecting him with the other brothers.

12 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.

As for our Apollos, I have many times urged him to go to you with the others, but he was always unwilling to go to you at this time. He will come, however, whenever he has a good opportunity.

13 Stay alert. Stand firm in your trust in God. Take courage. Be strong.

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be manly, be strong.

14 Whatever you do, do it in love.

Let all that you do be done in love.

15 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,

I beg you this, my brothers - you know the household of Stephanus, that they were the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they devoted themselves to the service of the saints -

16 to respect their leadership, and everyone who helps the work with such dedication.

so I want you also to show deference to such, and to every fellow worker, and laborer.

17 I'm delighted that Stephanas, Fortunatas, and Achaicus have arrived here, for they did what you weren't able to.

I am glad that Stephanus and Fortunatus and Achaicus have arrived, for they have made up for your absence.

18 They have been a great source of encouragement to me, and to you. People like that deserve your recognition.

They refresh my spirit as they do yours. So cultivate the acquaintance of such men.

19 The churches of Asia send their greetings. Aquila and Priscilla, along with the church that meets in their home, send their best wishes.

The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla (Prisca), with the church that meets in their house, greet you heartily in the Lord.

20 All the brothers and sisters here send their greetings. Greet one another affectionately.

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

21 I Paul write this greeting with my own hand.

The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand.

22 Anyone who doesn't love the Lord should be excluded from the church. Come Lord!

If any one does not love the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord is coming.

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

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

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

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.