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

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

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

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

And if it is worth while for me to go too, they will accompany 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 shall come to you after I have gone 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.

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

I am staying for the present in Ephesus, 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 has opened to me, great and effectual, and the opponents are many.

10 When Timothy arrives [there in Corinth], treat him respectfully [LIT], because he is 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 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].

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

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

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

Let all that you do be done in love.

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.

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

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].

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

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.

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

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 (Prisca), with the church that meets in their house, greet you heartily in the Lord.

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 send greetings. 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.

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

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

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.)

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

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

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.