1 Corinthians 16

Collection for the Jerusalem Church

1 Now about the collection for the saints: You should do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. 2 On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he prospers, so that no collections will need to be made when I come. 3 When I arrive, I will send with letters those you recommend to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.

4 If it is suitable for me to go as well, they can travel with me.

Paul's Travel Plans

5 I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia-for I will be traveling through Macedonia- 6 and perhaps I will remain with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go. 7 I don't want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me-yet many oppose me. 10 If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear from you, because he is doing the Lord's work, just as I am.

11 Therefore, no one should look down on him. Send him on his way in peace so he can come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

12 About our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now. However, he will come when he has an opportunity.

Final Exhortation

13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong.

14 Your every [action] must be done with love.
15 Brothers, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints. I urge you 16 also to submit to such people, and to everyone who works and labors with them. 17 I am pleased to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence.

18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people.

Conclusion

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets in their home.

20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 This greeting is in my own hand-Paul. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Marana tha [that is, Lord, come]! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 16

Instructions and Greetings

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.3 When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.

5 But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I also am.11 So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.

12 But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.

13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.14 Let all that you do be done in love.

15 Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints),16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.17 I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 The greeting is in my own hand-Paul.22 If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.