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.

1 Corinthians 16

A Collection to Aid Jewish Christians

1 With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia:t2 On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some incomet and savet it to the extent that God has blessed you,t so that a collection will not have to be madet when I come.3 Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem.s

4 And if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will go with me.

Paul’s Plans to Visit

5 But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia – for I will be going through Macedonia –6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you can send me on my journey, wherever I go.7 For I do not want to see you now in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.8 But I will stay in Ephesuss until Pentecost,

9 because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me,t but there are many opponents.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I am too.

11 So then, let no one treat him with contempt. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers.t

12 With regard to our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers,t but it was simply not his intention to come now.t He will come when he has the opportunity.

Final Challenge and Blessing

13 Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.

14 Everything you do should be done in love.
15 Now, brothers and sisters,t you know about the household of Stephanus, that as the first convertst of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints. I urge you16 also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard.17 I was glad about the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked.t

18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this.
19 The churches in the province of Asiat send greetings to you. Aquila and Priscas greets you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house.

20 All the brothers and sisterst send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, send this greeting with my own hand.

22 Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed. Our Lord, come!t

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.s