1 Corinthians 16

International Standard Version

Concerning the Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, you should follow the directions I gave to the churches in Galatia. ² After the Sabbath ends,^[a] each of you should set aside and save something from your surplus in proportion to what you have, so that no collections will have to be made when I arrive. ³ When I arrive, I will send letters along with the men you approve to take your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ If it is worthwhile for me to go, too, they can go with me.

Plans for Travel

⁵ I will visit you when I go through Macedonia—for I intend to go through Macedonia— ⁶ and will probably stay with you for a while^[b] or even spend the winter with you.^[c] Then you can send me on my way, wherever I decide to go. ⁷ I do not want to visit with you now just in passing, because I hope to spend a longer time with you if the Lord permits. ⁸ However, I’ll stay on in Ephesus until Pentecost, ⁹ because a door has opened wide for me to do effective work, although many people are opposing me.

¹⁰ If Timothy comes, see to it that he does not have anything to be afraid of while he is with you, for he is doing the Lord’s work as I am. ¹¹ Therefore, no one should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me, because I am expecting him along with the brothers.

¹² Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other^[d] brothers, but he was not inclined to do so just now. However, he will visit you^[e] when the time is right.

Final Instructions

¹³ Remain alert. Keep standing firm in your faith. Keep on being courageous and strong. ¹⁴ Everything you do should be done lovingly. ¹⁵ Now I urge you, brothers—for you know that the members of the family of Stephanas were the first converts^[f] in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to serving the saints— ¹⁶ to submit yourselves to people like these and to anyone else who shares their labor and hard work. ¹⁷ I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came here, because what was lacking they have supplied through you. ¹⁸ They refreshed my spirit—and yours, too. Therefore, appreciate men like that.

Final Greetings

¹⁹ The churches in Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca^[g] and the church in their house greet you warmly in union with the Lord. ²⁰ All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.^{[h] 21} I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand.