1 Corinthians 16

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so 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 Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

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 when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by [your] letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto 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 that I go also, they shall go with me.

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

5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

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

6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey 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 will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord 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 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

However, I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,

9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.

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

10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also [do].

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 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for 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 As touching [our] brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

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 fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

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

14 Let all your things be done with charity.

Whatever you do, do it in love.

15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, )

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 submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth.

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

17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

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

18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

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

19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is 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 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

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

21 The salutation of [me] Paul with mine own hand.

I Paul write this greeting with my own hand.

22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

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

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you.

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

24 My love [be] with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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