1 Corinthians 16

The Collection for the Lord’s People

Now about the collection^a for the Lord’s people:^b Do what I told the Galatian^c churches to do. On the first day of every week,^d 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.^e Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve^f and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Personal Requests

After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you^a—for I will be going through Macedonia.^b Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey,^c wherever I go. 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.^d But I will stay on at Ephesus^e until Pentecost,^f because a great door for effective work has opened to me,^g and there are many who oppose me.

When Timothy^h 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,ⁱ just as I am. No one, then, should treat him with contempt.^j Send him on his way^k in peace^l so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

Now about our brother Apollos:^m 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.

Be on your guard; stand firmⁿ in the faith; be courageous; be strong.^o Do everything in love.^p

You know that the household of Stephanas^q were the first converts^r in Achaia,^s and they have devoted themselves to the service^t of the Lord’s people.^u I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit^v to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.^w For they refreshed^x my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.^y

Final Greetings

The churches in the province of Asia^a send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla^b greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.^c All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.^d

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.^e

If anyone does not love the Lord,^f let that person be cursed!^g Come, Lord!^h

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.ⁱ

My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.