1 Corinthians 16

Collection for the Jerusalem Church

¹Now about the collection for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches.²³On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.⁴⁵When I arrive, I will send with letters those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.⁶⁷If it is suitable for me to go as well, they will travel with me.⁸

Paul’s Travel Plans

⁹I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia — for I will be traveling through Macedonia —¹⁰¹¹and perhaps I will remain with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go.¹²¹³I don’t want to see you now just in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.¹⁴¹⁵But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,¹⁶¹⁷because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me — yet many oppose me.¹⁸¹⁹If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear while with you, because he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.²⁰²¹So let no one look down on him. Send him on his way in peace so that he can come to me, because I am expecting him with the brothers.²²

²³Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now. However, he will come when he has an opportunity.²⁴

Final Exhortation

²⁵Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.²⁶²⁷Do everything in love.²⁸

²⁹Brothers and sisters, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints. I urge you³⁰³¹also to submit to such people, and to everyone who works and labors with them.³²³³I am delighted to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence.³⁴³⁵For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people.³⁶

Conclusion

³⁷The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla send you greetings warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets in their home.³⁸³⁹All the brothers and sisters send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.⁴⁰

⁴¹This greeting is in my own hand — Paul.⁴²⁴³If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come!⁴⁴⁴⁵The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.⁴⁶⁴⁷My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.⁴⁸