The Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning the contribution for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. ² On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that contributions need not be made when I come. ³ And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

Plans for Travel

⁵ I will visit you after passing through Macedo′nia, for I intend to pass through Macedo′nia, ⁶ and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may speed me on my journey, wherever I go. ⁷ For I do not want to see you now just in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. ⁸ But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, ⁹ for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

¹⁰ When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. ¹¹ So let no one despise him. Speed him on his way in peace, that he may return to me; for I am expecting him with the brethren.

¹² As for our brother Apol′los, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brethren, but it was not at all his will^[a] to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

Final Messages and Greetings

¹³ Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. ¹⁴ Let all that you do be done in love.

¹⁵ Now, brethren, you know that the household of Steph′anas were the first converts in Acha′ia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; ¹⁶ I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. ¹⁷ I rejoice at the coming of Steph′anas and Fortuna′tus and Acha′icus, because they have made up for your absence; ¹⁸ for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.

¹⁹ The churches of Asia send greetings. Aq′uila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. ²⁰ All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

²¹ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. ²² If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!^{[b] 23} The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. ²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.