Plans for a Collection and Travel Plans

16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, do as I directed the churches in Galatia to do. ² On the first day of every week, each of you is to set something aside in keeping with whatever he gains, saving it up at home, so that when I come, no collections will need to be carried out. ³ When I arrive, those whom you approve will be provided with letters, and I will send these representatives to deliver your gracious gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.

⁵ I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am going to go through Macedonia. ⁶ Perhaps I will have an extended stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way, wherever I go. ⁷ For I do not wish to see you now in passing. I hope to stay with you for a while, if the Lord permits. ⁸ But I will stay on in Ephesus until Pentecost, ⁹ because a door has opened for me, a great opportunity for action, and there are many adversaries.

¹⁰ But if Timothy comes, make sure he has no reason to be afraid while he is with you, for he does the work of the Lord, as I do. ¹¹ Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me, because I am expecting him, and so are the brothers with me.^[a]

¹² Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. It was not at all his desire to go now, but he will when he has an opportunity.

Closing Messages

¹³ Keep alert. Stand firm in the faith. Demonstrate manly courage. Be strong. ¹⁴ Let everything you do be done in love.

¹⁵ Brothers, you know Stephanas and his household. You know that they are the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they volunteered for service to the saints. ¹⁶ I urge that you also submit to them and to everyone who joins in and works hard. ¹⁷ I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came, because they supplied what was lacking on your part, ¹⁸ and they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such people.

¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia^[b] greet you. Aquila and Priscilla^[c] greet you warmly in the Lord, together with the church that meets in their house. ²⁰ All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

²¹ This greeting is written by me, Paul, with my own hand. ²² If anyone does not love the Lord—let him be under a curse!^[d] Marana tha!^{[e] 23} The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ^[f] be with you. ²⁴ My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.^[g]