New Revised Standard NRS
The Message Bible MSG
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia.
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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 of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come.
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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 And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take 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 that I should 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 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia—for I intend to pass through Macedonia—
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I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won't be staying long there,
6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way, 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 I do not want to see you now just in passing, for 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 in Ephesus until Pentecost,
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For the present, I'm staying right here in Ephesus.
9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
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A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
10 If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing 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 therefore let no one despise him. Send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I am expecting him 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 concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now. He will come 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 Keep alert, stand firm in your 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 Let all that you do be done in love.
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and love without stopping.
15 Now, brothers and sisters, you know that members of the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints;
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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 I urge you to put yourselves at the service of such people, and of everyone who works and toils with them.
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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 rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence;
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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 as well as yours. So give recognition to such persons.
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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 of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord.
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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 send 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 with my own hand.
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And I, Paul - in my own handwriting! - send you my regards.
22 Let anyone be accursed who has no love for the Lord. Our Lord, come!
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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 be with all of you in Christ Jesus.
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And I love all of you in the Messiah, in Jesus.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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.