²⁵ At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem in a ministry to the saints,^(A)

¹⁷ Now after some years I came to bring alms to my people and to offer sacrifices.^(A)

The Riot in Ephesus

²¹ Now after these things had been accomplished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go through Macedonia and Achaia and then to go on to Jerusalem. He said, “After I have gone there, I must also see Rome.”^(A)

²² And now, as a captive to the Spirit,^[a] I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,^(A)

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

The Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia.^{(A) 2} On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come.^{(B) 3} And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem.

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

¹⁰ They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was^[a] eager to do.^(A)

²⁶ for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.^{(A) 27} They were pleased to do this, and indeed 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 things.^{(B) 28} So, when I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected,^[a] I will set out by way of you to Spain, ²⁹ and 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 and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf,^{(C) 31} that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my ministry^[c] to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,