1 Corinthians 16

1Now about the collection for God’s holy people: you are to follow the instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. 2On the first day of each week, every one of you should put something aside at home, saving as much as you have gained, so that there will be no need to take up collections when I arrive. 3When I arrive, I will send the people you have approved, with your letters to recommend them, to take your gift of grace to Jerusalem. 4If it seems right for me to go as well, they will travel with me.

5I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia, since my route lies through Macedonia. 6I may stay with you for a while, perhaps even for the winter. Then you can send me on, with what I need, to wherever I go next. 7This time I do not want to see you only briefly, on my way somewhere else; I hope to stay with you for a while, if the Lord allows. 8But I will stay on here in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9A great door stands open here for work that bears fruit, and many are working against me.

10If Timothy comes, take care that he can be with you without fear, because the work he does is the Lord’s work, just as mine is. 11No one, then, should look down on him. See him off in peace, with what he needs for the road, so that he can come back to me; I am looking for him to return with the brothers.

12As for our brother Apollos, I pressed him again and again to visit you along with the brothers. But he was not at all willing to come at this time; he will come when a good opportunity arises.

13Stay alert. Hold your ground in the faith. Be brave and be strong. 14Whatever you do, do it in love.

15I have a request, brothers and sisters. You know the household of Stephanas: they were the first of the harvest in Achaia, and they have set themselves to serve God’s holy people. 16I urge you in turn to place yourselves under people like these, and under everyone who joins in the work and labors hard. 17It makes me glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus are here, because they have filled the gap your absence left. 18They have refreshed me in spirit, and you as well. Make sure, then, that people like these are honored.

19Greetings to you from the churches of Asia. Warm greetings in the Lord from Aquila and Prisca and from the church that meets in their house. 20All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21I, Paul, am adding this greeting with my own hand. 22A curse on anyone who does not love the Lord! Our Lord, come! 23May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24I send my love to every one of you in Christ Jesus.