Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning (A)the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: (B)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. And when I come, (C)whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. (D)But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

Personal Plans(E)

Now I will come to you (F)when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may (G)send me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, (H)if the Lord permits.

But I will tarry in Ephesus until (I)Pentecost. For (J)a great and effective door has opened to me, and (K)there are many adversaries.

10 And (L)if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for (M)he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 (N)Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey (O)in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

12 Now concerning our brother (P)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 (Q)Watch, (R)stand fast in the faith, be brave, (S)be strong. 14 (T)Let all that you do be done with love.

15 I urge you, brethren—you know (U)the household of Stephanas, that it is (V)the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to (W)the ministry of the saints— 16 (X)that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and (Y)labors with us.

17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, (Z)for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 (AA)For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore (AB)acknowledge such men.

Greetings and a Solemn Farewell

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, (AC)with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you.

(AD)Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 (AE)The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.

22 If anyone (AF)does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, (AG)let him be [a]accursed. (AH)O[b] Lord, come!

23 (AI)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 16:22 Gr. anathema
  2. 1 Corinthians 16:22 Aram. Marana tha; possibly Maran atha, Our Lord has come

The Contribution for the Saints

16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given instruction to the churches of Galatia, so even you must do. On the first day of the week let every one of you lay in store, as God has prospered him, so that no collections be made when I come. And when I come, I will send whomever you approve with your letters to take your generous gifts to Jerusalem. If it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

Paul’s Plans for Travel

Now I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia. For I will pass through Macedonia. It may be that I will remain, of course, and spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now in passing. Instead, I trust to remain a while with you, if the Lord permits. But I will remain at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he may remain 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 way in peace, that he may come to me. I am expecting him with the brothers.

12 As for our brother Apollos, I greatly wanted him to come to you with the brothers. But he was not willing at all to come at this time. However, he will come when he has a convenient time.

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be bold like men, and be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.

15 You know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints. So I ask you, brothers, 16 that you submit yourselves to such people, and to everyone who helps and labors with us. 17 I am happy about the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for they supplied what was lacking on your part. 18 They have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge these men.

Final Request and Greetings

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 brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Come, O Lord!

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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