1 Corinthians 16
English Standard Version
The Collection for the Saints
16 Now concerning[a] (A)the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On (B)the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, (C)as he may prosper, (D)so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send (E)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 (F)I will visit you after passing through (G)Macedonia, for (H)I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may (I)help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now (J)just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, (K)if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until (L)Pentecost, 9 for (M)a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and (N)there are many adversaries.
10 (O)When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for (P)he is doing (Q)the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So (R)let no one despise him. (S)Help him on his way (T)in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
Final Instructions
12 Now concerning (U)our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will[b] to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
13 (V)Be watchful, (W)stand firm in the faith, (X)act like men, (Y)be strong. 14 (Z)Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brothers[c]—you know that (AA)the household[d] of Stephanas were (AB)the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves (AC)to the service of the saints— 16 (AD)be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for (AE)your absence, 18 for they (AF)refreshed my spirit as well as yours. (AG)Give recognition to such people.
Greetings
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. (AH)Aquila and Prisca, together with (AI)the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. (AJ)Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write (AK)this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be (AL)accursed. Our Lord, come![e] 23 (AM)The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 16:1 The expression Now concerning introduces a reply to a question in the Corinthians' letter; see 7:1; also verse 12
- 1 Corinthians 16:12 Or God's will for him
- 1 Corinthians 16:15 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 20
- 1 Corinthians 16:15 Greek house
- 1 Corinthians 16:22 Greek Maranatha (a transliteration of Aramaic)
1 Corinthians 16
The Message
Coming to See You
16 1-4 Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you’ll have it ready, and I won’t have to make a special appeal. Then after I arrive, I’ll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift. If you think it best that I go along, I’ll be glad to travel with them.
5-9 I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won’t be staying long there, but maybe I can stay awhile with you—maybe even spend the winter? Then you could give me a good send-off, wherever I may be headed next. I don’t want to just drop by in between other “primary” destinations. I want a good, long, leisurely visit. If the Master agrees, we’ll have it! For the present, I’m staying right here in Ephesus. A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
10-11 If Timothy shows up, take good care of him. Make him feel completely at home among you. He works so hard for the Master, just as I do. Don’t let anyone disparage him. After a while, send him on to me with your blessing. Tell him I’m expecting him, and any friends he has with him.
12 About our friend Apollos, I’ve done my best to get him to pay you a visit, but haven’t talked him into it yet. He doesn’t think this is the right time. But there will be a “right time.”
13-14 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
15-16 Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they’ve put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to.
17-18 I want you to know how delighted I am to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus here with me. They partially make up for your absence! They’ve refreshed me by keeping me in touch with you. Be proud that you have people like this among you.
19 The churches here in western Asia send greetings.
Aquila, Priscilla, and the church that meets in their house say hello.
20 All the friends here say hello.
Pass the greetings around with holy hugs!
21 And I, Paul—in my own handwriting!—send you my regards.
22 If anyone won’t love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!
23 Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you.
24 And I love all of you in the Messiah, in Jesus.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson