1 N ow concerning the money contributed for the saints (God’s people): you are to do the same as I directed the churches of Galatia to do.

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:

2 O n the first of each week, let each one of you put aside something and save it up as he has prospered, so that no collections will need to be taken after I come.

On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

3 A nd when I arrive, I will send on those whom you approve and authorize with credentials to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.

4 I f it seems worthwhile that I should go too, they will accompany me.

But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. Personal Plans

5 A fter passing through Macedonia, I will visit you, for I intend to pass through Macedonia;

Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).

6 B ut it may be that I will stay with you, perhaps even spend the winter, so that you may bring me forward to wherever I may go.

And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.

7 F or I am unwilling to see you right now in passing, but I hope later to remain for some time with you, if the Lord permits.

For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

8 I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost,

But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.

9 F or a wide door of opportunity for effectual has opened to me, and many adversaries.

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10 W hen Timothy arrives, see to it that he may be fearless among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.

And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11 S o no one despises him or treats him as if he were of no account or slights him. But send him off in peace, that he may come to me, for I am expecting him with the other brethren.

Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

12 A s for our brother Apollos, I have urgently encouraged him to visit you with the other brethren, but it was not at all his will or God’s will that he should go now. He will come when he has opportunity.

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time. Final Exhortations

13 B e alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ( your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

14 L et everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us).

Let all that you do be done with love.

15 N ow, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts and our firstfruits in Achaia (most of Greece), and how they have consecrated and devoted themselves to the service of the saints (God’s people).

I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—

16 I urge you to pay all deference to such leaders and to enlist under them and be subject to them, as well as to everyone who joins and cooperates and labors earnestly.

that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

17 I am happy because Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have come, for they have made up for your absence.

I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.

18 F or they gave me respite from labor and rested me and refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Deeply appreciate and thoroughly know and fully recognize such men.

For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. Greetings and a Solemn Farewell

19 T he churches of Asia send greetings and best wishes. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you their hearty greetings in the Lord.

The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

20 A ll the brethren wish to be remembered to you and wish you well. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I , Paul, greeting with my own hand.

The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.

22 I f anyone does not love the Lord, he shall be accursed! Our Lord will come! (Maranatha!)

If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!

23 T he grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24 M y love (that true love growing out of sincere devotion to God) be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen (so be it).

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.