1 Corinthians 16

Chapter 16

The Collection for Jerusalem

1 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia.2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.

4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

Paul’s Final Instructions

5 I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia,t for I am planning to travel through Macedonia.6 Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination.7 This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me.8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost.

9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.
10 When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.

11 Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.t

12 Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.
13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous.t Be strong.

14 And do everything with love.
15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece,t and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters,t16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me.

18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

Paul’s Final Greetings

19 The churches here in the province of Asiat send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscillat and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings.

20 All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with Christian love.t

21 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come!t

23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.t

1 Corinthians 16

The Collection for God's People

1 Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.

4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Personal Requests

5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you–for I will be going through Macedonia.6 Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.7 I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,

9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
10 If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.

11 No one, then, should refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

14 Do everything in love.
15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers,16 to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.

18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Final Greetings

19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

20 All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord–a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.