New International Version NIV
The Message Bible MSG
1 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.
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Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia.
2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
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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.
3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
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Then after I arrive, I'll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift.
4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
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If you think it best that I go along, I'll be glad to travel with them.
5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia.
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I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won't be staying long there,
6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
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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.
7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
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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!
8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,
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For the present, I'm staying right here in Ephesus.
9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
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A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
10 When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.
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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.
11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.
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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 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
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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 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
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Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute,
14 Do everything in love.
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and love without stopping.
15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters,
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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
16 to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.
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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 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
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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!
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
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They've refreshed me by keeping me in touch with you. Be proud that you have people like this among you.
19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
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The churches here in western Asia send greetings. Aquila, Priscilla, and the church that meets in their house say hello.
20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
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All the friends here say hello. Pass the greetings around with holy embraces!
21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
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And I, Paul - in my own handwriting! - send you my regards.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord !
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If anyone won't love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
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Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you.
24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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And I love all of you in the Messiah, in Jesus.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.