The Collection for the Saints

1Now concerning16:1 The expression Now concerning introduces a reply to a question in the Corinthians' letter; see 7:1; also verse 12 the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

Plans for Travel

5I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

Final Instructions

12Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will16:12 Or God's will for him to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

13Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14Let all that you do be done in love.

15Now I urge you, brothers16:15 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 20 —you know that the household16:15 Greek house of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and labourer. 17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

Greetings

19The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!16:22 Greek Maranatha (a transliteration of Aramaic) 23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.