Concerning The Collection For Jerusalem: Store Up Your Gift And Be Ready When I Come
16 Now concerning the collection for the saints[a], just as I directed in the churches of Galatia, so you do also. 2 Every first day of the week[b], let each of you put-aside[c] beside[d] himself, storing-up[e] whatever thing he may be prospered, in-order-that when I come, collections might not be taking place at-that-time. 3 And when I arrive, whomever you approve, I will send these ones with letters[f] to carry-forth your grace-gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it is fitting[g] that I also go, they will go with me.
I Will Stay In Ephesus For Now, And Come To You Before Winter
5 Now I will come to you whenever[h] I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia. 6 And perhaps I will continue with you, or even spend-the-winter, in order that you may send me forward wherever I may go. 7 For I do not want to see you now in passing, for I am hoping to stay with you for some time, if the Lord permits[i]. 8 But I will stay-on in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a great and effective[j] door has opened to me, and there are many opposing.
Timothy May Come Before Me: Take Care of Him
10 But if Timothy comes, see that he may come-to-be with you fearlessly[k]. For he is working the work of the Lord as I also. 11 Therefore let no one treat him with contempt. And send him forward in peace in order that he may come to me, for I am waiting-for him with the brothers.
Concerning Apollos: He Will Come When He Can
12 Now concerning Apollos our brother, I strongly urged him that he come to you with the brothers. And it was not at all his will that he come now, but he will come whenever he finds-an-opportunity.
Closing Exhortations And Greetings
13 Keep-watching, be standing-firm in the faith, be acting-like-men[l], be growing-strong, 14 let all your things be done in love.
15 And I exhort you, brothers— you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruit of Achaia[m], and they appointed[n] themselves for ministry to the saints— 16 that you also be subject to such ones, and to everyone helping[o] and laboring. 17 Now I am rejoicing over the coming[p] of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because these ones filled-up your lack[q]. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore be acknowledging such ones.
19 The churches of Asia[r] greet you. Aquila and Prisca[s] greet you earnestly in the Lord, along with the church at their house. 20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The greeting of Paul by my own hand— 22 if anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed. Marana tha[t]. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 16:1 That is, the collection Paul was raising from the Gentile churches for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Compare 2 Cor 8-9; Rom 15:25-27.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 That is, Sunday by Sunday.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 Or, lay-away.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 That is, at home.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 Or, treasuring-up.
- 1 Corinthians 16:3 That is, with letters of introduction from Paul. Or, whomever you approve with letters, I will send. That is, with your letters of authorization as your official representatives. Some such people are named in Act 20:4.
- 1 Corinthians 16:4 Or, worthy. That is, if the amount collected makes it appropriate for me to go; or, if it is fitting at the time in view of all the circumstances.
- 1 Corinthians 16:5 This took place in Act 20:1-2.
- 1 Corinthians 16:7 Paul spend three months with them, Act 20:3.
- 1 Corinthians 16:9 Or, active.
- 1 Corinthians 16:10 Paul was really concerned about Timothy’s age, since he writes 1 Tim 4:12 some eight to ten years later.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Or, be manly, be courageous.
- 1 Corinthians 16:15 Corinth was located in this Roman province.
- 1 Corinthians 16:15 Or, stationed, established, arranged.
- 1 Corinthians 16:16 Or, working-with us.
- 1 Corinthians 16:17 That is, to Ephesus, where Paul was, v 8.
- 1 Corinthians 16:17 That is, your physical lack, your absence.
- 1 Corinthians 16:19 Ephesus was located in this Roman province.
- 1 Corinthians 16:19 Paul originally met this couple in Corinth in Act 18:1-2.
- 1 Corinthians 16:22 Marana tha. This Aramaic phrase means Lord, come! Or, maran atha, The Lord has come!