Concerning the Collection for the Saints
16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, you should follow the directions I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 After the Sabbath ends,[a] each of you should set aside and save something from your surplus in proportion to what you have, so that no collections will have to be made when I arrive. 3 When I arrive, I will send letters along with the men you approve to take your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it is worthwhile for me to go, too, they can go with me.
Plans for Travel
5 I will visit you when I go through Macedonia—for I intend to go through Macedonia— 6 and will probably stay with you for a while[b] or even spend the winter with you.[c] Then you can send me on my way, wherever I decide to go. 7 I do not want to visit with you now just in passing, because I hope to spend a longer time with you if the Lord permits. 8 However, I’ll stay on in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a door has opened wide for me to do effective work, although many people are opposing me.
10 If Timothy comes, see to it that he does not have anything to be afraid of while he is with you, for he is doing the Lord’s work as I am. 11 Therefore, no one should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me, because I am expecting him along with the brothers.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other[d] brothers, but he was not inclined to do so just now. However, he will visit you[e] when the time is right.
Final Instructions
13 Remain alert. Keep standing firm in your faith. Keep on being courageous and strong. 14 Everything you do should be done lovingly. 15 Now I urge you, brothers—for you know that the members of the family of Stephanas were the first converts[f] in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to serving the saints— 16 to submit yourselves to people like these and to anyone else who shares their labor and hard work. 17 I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came here, because what was lacking they have supplied through you. 18 They refreshed my spirit—and yours, too. Therefore, appreciate men like that.
Final Greetings
19 The churches in Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca[g] and the church in their house greet you warmly in union with the Lord. 20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.[h] 21 I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand.
22 If anyone doesn’t love the Lord,
let him be anathema![i]
Marana tha![j]
23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you!
24 May my love remain[k] with all of you
in union with the Messiah[l] Jesus.[m]
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 Or On the first day of the week
- 1 Corinthians 16:6 The Gk. lacks for a while
- 1 Corinthians 16:6 The Gk. lacks with you
- 1 Corinthians 16:12 The Gk. lacks other
- 1 Corinthians 16:12 The Gk. lacks you
- 1 Corinthians 16:15 Lit. the first fruits
- 1 Corinthians 16:19 I.e. Priscilla
- 1 Corinthians 16:20 People customarily greeted their friends with a kiss.
- 1 Corinthians 16:22 This term means eternally condemned
- 1 Corinthians 16:22 This Aram. sentence means May our Lord come!
- 1 Corinthians 16:24 Or My love is
- 1 Corinthians 16:24 Or Christ
- 1 Corinthians 16:24 Other mss. read Jesus. Amen