• Instructions and Greetings

  • 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you are to do as well.
  • 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save as he may prosper, so that no collections need to be made when I come.
  • 3 When I arrive, whomever you approve, I will send them with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem;
  • 4 and if it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
  • 5 But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia; for I am going through Macedonia,
  • 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go.
  • 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
  • 8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
  • 9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
  • 10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he has no reason to be afraid while among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am.
  • 11 So do not look down on him, anyone. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
  • 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly encouraged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.
  • 13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
  • 14 All that you do must be done in love.
  • 15 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters: you know the household of Stephanas, that they are the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to ministry to the saints;
  • 16 I urge that you also be subject to such as these and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
  • 17 I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.
  • 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
  • 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
  • 20 All the brothers and sisters greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
  • 21 The greeting is in my own hand—that of Paul.
  • 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha!
  • 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
  • 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.