The Collection for Believers in Judea

16 Now, about the collection of money for God’s people: Do the same as I told the Galatian churches to do. ² On the first day of every week, each of you should take some of your money and put it in a special place. Save up as much as you can from what you are blessed with. Then you will not have to gather it all after I come. ³ When I arrive, I will send some men to take your gift to Jerusalem. These will be the ones you all agree should go. I will send them with letters of introduction. ⁴ If it seems good for me to go too, we can all travel together.

Paul’s Plans

⁵ I plan to go through Macedonia, so I will come to you after that. ⁶ Maybe I will stay with you for a time. I might even stay all winter. Then you can help me on my trip, wherever I go. ⁷ I don’t want to come see you now, because I would have to leave to go to other places. I hope to stay a longer time with you, if the Lord allows it. ⁸ But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost. ⁹ I will stay here, because a good opportunity for a great and growing work has been given to me now. And there are many people working against it.

¹⁰ Timothy might come to you. Try to make him feel comfortable with you. He is working for the Lord the same as I am. ¹¹ So none of you should refuse to accept Timothy. Help him continue on his trip in peace so that he can come back to me. I am expecting him to come back with the other brothers.

¹² Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. He prefers not to come now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.

Paul Ends His Letter

¹³ Be careful. Hold firmly to your faith. Have courage and be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love.

¹⁵ You know that Stephanas and his family were the first believers in Achaia. They have given themselves to the service of God’s people. I ask you, brothers and sisters, ¹⁶ to follow the leading of people like these and others who work hard and serve together with them.

¹⁷ I am happy that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come. You are not here, but they have filled your place. ¹⁸ They have been a great encouragement to me and to you as well. You should recognize the value of such people.

¹⁹ The churches in Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you in the Lord. Also the church that meets in their house sends greetings. ²⁰ All the brothers and sisters here send their greetings. Give each other the special greeting of God’s people.^[a]

²¹ Here’s my greeting in my own handwriting— Paul.

²² If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be separated from God—lost forever!

Come, O Lord!^[b]

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

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