Instructions and Greetings

16 Now concerning the money collected for [the relief of] the saints [in Jerusalem], you are to do the same as I directed the churches of Galatia to do. ² On the first day of every week each one of you is to put something aside, in proportion to his prosperity, and save it so that no collections [will need to] be made when I come. ³ When I arrive, I will send whomever you approve with letters [of authorization] to take your gift [of charity and love] to Jerusalem; ⁴ and if it is fitting for me to go too, they will accompany me.

⁵ I will visit you after I go through Macedonia, for I am only passing through Macedonia; ⁶ but it may be that I will stay with you [for a while], or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way to wherever I may go afterward. ⁷ For I do not wish to see you right now just in passing, but I hope to remain with you for some time [later on], if the Lord permits. ⁸ But I will stay in Ephesus until ^[a]Pentecost, ⁹ because a wide door for effective service has opened to me [in Ephesus, a very promising opportunity], and there are many adversaries.^(A)

¹⁰ If Timothy comes, see to it that [you put him at ease, so that] he has nothing to fear in regard to you, for he is [devotedly] doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. ¹¹ So allow no one to treat him with disdain [as if he were inconsequential]. But send him off [cordially, and speed him on his way] in peace, so that he may come to me, for I am expecting him [to come along] with the other brothers.

¹² As for our brother Apollos, I have strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. It was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.

¹³ Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong.^{(B) 14} Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].

¹⁵ Brothers and sisters, you know that those of the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to ^[b]God’s people—now I urge you ¹⁶ to be subject to such leaders [treating them with courtesy and respect], and to everyone who helps in the work and labors [for the benefit of yourselves and the church]. ¹⁷ I rejoice because Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have arrived, for they have made up for your absence. ¹⁸ They have refreshed my spirit as well as yours. So fully acknowledge such men and deeply appreciate them.

¹⁹ The churches of Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church [that meets] in their house, send you their warm greetings in the Lord. ²⁰ All the believers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

²¹ This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. ²² If anyone does not love the Lord [does not obey and respect and believe in Jesus Christ and His message], he is to be accursed. Maranatha (O our Lord, come)! ²³ The grace of our Lord Jesus [His unmerited favor, His spiritual blessing, His profound mercy] be with you. ²⁴ My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.