1 Corinthians 16
Collection for the Saints
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
Personal Plans
5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.
Final Exhortations
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.14 Let all that you do be done with love.15 I urge you, brethrenyou know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
Greetings and a Solemn Farewell
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla 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 salutation with my own handPauls.22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 CORINTHIANS 16
A Collection for God's People
1 t When you collect money for God's people, I want you to do exactly what I told the churches in Galatia to do. 2 That is, each Sunday each of you must put aside part of what you have earned. If you do this, you won't have to take up a collection when I come. 3 Choose some followers to take the money to Jerusalem. I will send them on with the money and with letters which show that you approve of them.
4 If you think I should go along, they can go with me.Paul's Travel Plans
5 t After I have gone through Macedonia, I hope to see you 6 and visit with you for a while. I may even stay all winter, so that you can help me on my way to wherever I will be going next. 7 If the Lord lets me, I would rather come later for a longer visit than to stop off now for only a short visit. 8 t t I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 because there is a wonderful opportunity for me to do some work here. But there are also many people who are against me.
10 t When Timothy arrives, give him a friendly welcome. He is doing the Lord's work, just as I am.
11 Don't let anyone mistreat him. I am looking for him to return to me together with the other followers. So when he leaves, send him off with your blessings.
12 I have tried hard to get our friend Apollos to visit you with the other followers. He doesn't want to come just now, but he will come when he can.Personal Concerns and Greetings
13 Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong.
14 Show love in everything you do.
15 t You know that Stephanas and his family were the first in Achaia to have faith in the Lord. They have done all they can for God's people. My friends, I ask you
16 to obey leaders like them and to do the same for all others who work hard with you.
17 I was glad to see Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus. Having them here was like having you.
18 They made me feel much better, just as they made you feel better. You should appreciate people like them.
19 t Greetings from the churches in Asia.
Aquila and Priscilla, together with the church that meets in their house, send greetings in the name of the Lord.
20 All the Lord's followers send their greetings.
Give each other a warm greeting.
21 I am signing this letter myself: PAUL.
22 I pray that God will put a curse on everyone who doesn't love the Lord. And may the Lord come soon.
23 I pray the Lord Jesus will be kind to you.
24 I love everyone who belongs to Christ Jesus.