1 Corinthians 16:1–24
A Collection to Aid Jewish Christians
16:1 With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia:1 16:2 On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income2 and save3 it to the extent that God has blessed you,4 so that a collection will not have to be made5 when I come. 16:3 Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem.6 16:4 And if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will go with me.
16:5 But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia—for I will be going through Macedonia—16:6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you can send me on my journey, wherever I go. 16:7 For I do not want to see you now in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. 16:8 But I will stay in Ephesus7 until Pentecost, 16:9 because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me,8 but there are many opponents.
16:10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I am too. 16:11 So then, let no one treat him with contempt. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers.9
16:12 With regard to our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers,10 but it was simply not his intention to come now.11 He will come when he has the opportunity.
16:13 Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong. 16:14 Everything you do should be done in love.
16:15 Now, brothers and sisters,12 you know about the household of Stephanus, that as the first converts13 of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints. I urge you 16:16 also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard. 16:17 I was glad about the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked.14 16:18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this.
16:19 The churches in the province of Asia15 send greetings to you. Aquila and Prisca16 greet17 you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house. 16:20 All the brothers and sisters18 send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
16:21 I, Paul, send this greeting with my own hand.
16:22 Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed. Our Lord, come!19
16:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
16:24 My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.20