1 Corinthians 16

Coming to See You

1-4 Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you'll have it ready, and I won't have to make a special appeal. Then after I arrive, I'll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift. If you think it best that I go along, I'll be glad to travel with them.

5-9 I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won't be staying long there, but maybe I can stay awhile with you—maybe even spend the winter? Then you could give me a good send-off, wherever I may be headed next. I don't want to just drop by in between other "primary" destinations. I want a good, long, leisurely visit. If the Master agrees, we'll have it! For the present, I'm staying right here in Ephesus. A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)

10-11 If Timothy shows up, take good care of him. Make him feel completely at home among you. He works so hard for the Master, just as I do. Don't let anyone disparage him. After a while, send him on to me with your blessing. Tell him I'm expecting him, and any friends he has with him.

12 About our friend Apollos, I've done my best to get him to pay you a visit, but haven't talked him into it yet. He doesn't think this is the right time. But there will be a "right time."

13-14 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.

15-16 Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they've put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to.

17-18 I want you to know how delighted I am to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus here with me. They partially make up for your absence! They've refreshed me by keeping me in touch with you. Be proud that you have people like this among you.

19 The churches here in western Asia send greetings.
Aquila, Priscilla, and the church that meets in their house say hello.

20 All the friends here say hello.
Pass the greetings around with holy embraces!

21 And I, Paul—in my own handwriting!—send you my regards.

22 If anyone won't love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!

23 Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you.

24 And I love all of you in the Messiah, in Jesus.

1 Corinthians 16

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.2 Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.3 And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:4 and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.5 But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;6 but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go.7 For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost;9 for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.10 Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:11 let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren.12 But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.14 Let all that ye do be done in love.15 Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints),16 that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth.17 And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.20 All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.22 If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha.23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.