The Collection for the Saints
1 Now concerning
1the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.
2
On
2the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up,
3as he may prosper,
4so that there will be no collecting when I come.
3
And when I arrive, I will send
5those 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 6I will visit you after passing through
7Macedonia, for
8I intend to pass through Macedonia,
6
and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may
9help me on my journey, wherever I go.
7
For I do not want to see you now
10just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you,
11if the Lord permits.
8
But I will stay in Ephesus until
12Pentecost,
9
for
13a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and
14there are many adversaries.
10
15When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for
16he is doing
17the work of the Lord, as I am.
11
So
18let no one despise him.
19Help him on his way
20in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
Final Instructions
12 Now concerning
21our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
13
22Be watchful,
23stand firm in the faith,
24act like men,
25be strong.
14
26Let all that you do be done in love.
15
Now I urge you, brothers--you know that
27the household of Stephanas were
28the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves
29to the service of the saints--
16
30be 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
31your absence,
18
for they
32refreshed my spirit as well as yours.
33Give recognition to such men.
Greetings
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings.
34Aquila and Prisca, together with
35the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
20
All the brothers send you greetings.
36Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21
I, Paul, write
37this greeting with my own hand.
22
If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be
38accursed. Our Lord, come!
23
39The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.