1 Corinthians 16

1 Now [I will reply to another question that you asked. You asked] about the [money you are] collecting [to send] to God’s people [in Jerusalem]. Do what I told the congregations in Galatia to do.

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.

2 Every Sunday each of you should set aside [at home] some funds [EUP] [for this purpose], in proportion to how much [God] has prospered you. Then you should save it up, so that when I arrive there, you will not need to collect [any more money. Choose some men whom you approve of, to take] this money to Jerusalem.

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.

3 Then, when I arrive, I will write letters stating that you have authorized these men to take the funds there.

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

4 And if [you] (OR, [I]) think that it is appropriate, I will go with them.

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

5 Now I plan to travel through Macedonia [province]. I [plan to] come to visit you, but I want to go through Macedonia first.

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

6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a short while, or I may stay with you for the whole winter, in order that you yourselves can provide some of the things [that I will need] [EUP] for my next trip.

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

7 I do not want to see you just for a short time and then continue my trip. I am hoping to stay with you for a while, if the Lord [Jesus] allows me to do that.

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.

8 But I will stay [here] in Ephesus [city] until [after] the Pentecost [festival].

But I must remain at Ephesus, even until Pentecost.

9 [I want to do that] because [God] has given me a great opportunity [MET] [to proclaim his good message here]. [As a result of my work here, God is producing] great results. I also want to stay here because there are many people here who oppose [my work, and I need to refute them].

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

10 When Timothy arrives [there in Corinth], treat him respectfully [LIT], because he is working for the Lord just as I am.

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.

11 Do not let anyone despise him. And when he leaves there, give him some of the things that he needs [for his trip] [EUP] [here], and also [ask God to] bless him. I am waiting for him to come, along with the other fellow believers [who have been traveling with him].

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.

12 [You also asked] about our fellow believer, Apollos. I urged him strongly that he should go back to you with the three fellow believers [who came here from Corinth]. He was not at all willing to go [now], but he will go later, when he has an opportunity.

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.

13 Be on guard [against anything that would hinder you spiritually]. You have believed [the true message]; continue believing it firmly. Be courageous. Keep strong [in your relationship with God].

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

14 Act in a loving [way] in everything that [you do].

Let all that is yours be immersed in charity.

15 You know that Stephanas and his family were the first ones [there] in Achaia [province to believe in Christ] [IDM]. They have devoted themselves to helping God’s people.

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.

16 My fellow believers, I urge you to submit yourselves to them and to people like them who do [God’s] work and who work hard.

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

17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus arrived here [from Corinth], because [they did things for] me that you were not able to do [because you were not with me].

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

18 They comforted and encouraged me [SYN], and [I expect that this news from me] will do the same for you. You should honor [them, and you should also honor] others like them.

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

19 The congregations [here] in Asia [province] (send their greetings to/say that they are thinking fondly of) you. Aquila and [his wife] Priscilla and the congregation that meets in their house (send their warm greetings to/say that they are thinking fondly of) you because both they and you belong to the Lord.

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.

20 All your fellow believers [here] (send their greetings to/say that they are thinking of) you. Greet each other affectionately, as fellow believers [should].

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

21 Now I, Paul, having taken the pen from the hand of my secretary, write with my own hand to say that I am thinking fondly of you/to give you my greetings. I do this to show you that this letter really comes from me.

This is a greeting from my own hand, Paul.

22 (I pray that God will/May God) curse/cause bad things to happen to (anyone who does not love the Lord Jesus. I pray that our Lord will come soon/May our Lord come soon)!

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

23 I pray that our Lord Jesus will/May our Lord Jesus (continue to act toward you all kindly/in ways that you do not deserve.)

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

24 I love all of you who have a close relationship with Christ Jesus.

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