16Verse 1With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia:Verse 2On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come.Verse 3Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem.Verse 4And if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will go with me.
Paul’s Plans to Visit
Verse 5But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia – for I will be going through Macedonia –Verse 6and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you can send me on my journey, wherever I go.Verse 7For I do not want to see you now in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.Verse 8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,Verse 9because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me, but there are many opponents.Verse 10Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I am too.Verse 11So then, let no one treat him with contempt. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers.Verse 12With regard to our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was simply not his intention to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity.
Final Challenge and Blessing
Verse 13Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.Verse 14Everything you do should be done in love.Verse 15Now, brothers and sisters, you know about the household of Stephanus, that as the first converts of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints. I urge youVerse 16also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard.Verse 17I was glad about the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked.Verse 18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this.Verse 19The churches in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house.Verse 20All the brothers and sisters send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.Verse 21I, Paul, send this greeting with my own hand.Verse 22Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed. Our Lord, come!Verse 23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.Verse 24My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.