1 Corinthians 16

1  NOW CONCERNING the money contributed for [the relief of] the saints (God’s people): you are to do the same as I directed the churches of Galatia to do.2  On the first [day] of each week, let each one of you [personally] put aside something and save it up as he has prospered [in proportion to what he is given], so that no collections will need to be taken after I come.3  And when I arrive, I will send on those whom you approve and authorize with credentials to carry your gift [of charity] to Jerusalem.4  If it seems worthwhile that I should go too, they will accompany me.5  After passing through Macedonia, I will visit you, for I intend [only] to pass through Macedonia;6  But it may be that I will stay with you [for a while], perhaps even spend the winter, so that you may bring me forward [on my journey] to wherever I may go.7  For I am unwilling to see you right now [just] in passing, but I hope later to remain for some time with you, if the Lord permits.8  I will remain in Ephesus [however] until Pentecost,9  For a wide door of opportunity for effectual [service] has opened to me [there, a great and promising one], and [there are] many adversaries.10  When Timothy arrives, see to it that [you put him at ease, so that] he may be fearless among you, for he is [devotedly] doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.11  So [see to it that] no one despises him or treats him as if he were of no account or slights him. But send him off [cordially, speed him on his way] in peace, that he may come to me, for I am expecting him [to come along] with the other brethren.12  As for our brother Apollos, I have urgently encouraged him to visit you with the other brethren, but it was not at all his will or God’s will that he should go now. He will come when he has opportunity.13  Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 14  Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us).15  Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts and our firstfruits in Achaia (most of Greece), and how they have consecrated and devoted themselves to the service of the saints (God’s people).16  I urge you to pay all deference to such leaders and to enlist under them and be subject to them, as well as to everyone who joins and cooperates [with you] and labors earnestly.17  I am happy because Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have come [to me], for they have made up for your absence.18  For they gave me respite from labor and rested me and refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Deeply appreciate and thoroughly know and fully recognize such men.19  The churches of Asia send greetings and best wishes. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church [that meets] in their house, send you their hearty greetings in the Lord.20  All the brethren wish to be remembered to you and wish you well. Greet one another with a holy kiss.21  I, Paul, [add this final] greeting with my own hand.22  If anyone does not love the Lord [does not have a friendly affection for Him and is not kindly disposed toward Him], he shall be accursed! Our Lord will come! (Maranatha!)23  The grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.24  My love (that true love growing out of sincere devotion to God) be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen (so be it).

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