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 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