²⁵ At present, however, ^(A)I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.

¹⁷ Now ^(A)after several years ^(B)I came to bring alms to ^(C)my nation and to present ^(D)offerings.

A Riot at Ephesus

²¹ Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit ^(A)to pass through ^(B)Macedonia and Achaia and ^(C)go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, ^(D)I must also see Rome.”

²² And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained ^(A)by^[a] the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,

¹⁶ For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening ^(A)to be at Jerusalem, if possible, ^(B)on the day of Pentecost.

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.

²¹ But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you ^(A)if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.

¹⁰ Only, they asked us to remember the poor, ^(A)the very thing I was eager to do.

²⁶ For ^(A)Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. ²⁷ For they were pleased to do it, and indeed ^(B)they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. ²⁸ When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected,^[a] I will leave ^(C)for Spain by way of you. ²⁹ I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing^[b] of Christ.

³⁰ I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by ^(D)the love of the Spirit, ^(E)to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, ^31 (F)that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that ^(G)my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,