1 N ow concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.

Now 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.

2 U pon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

On 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.

3 A nd when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:

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

4 a nd if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.

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

5 B ut I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;

After passing through Macedonia, I will visit you, for I intend to pass through Macedonia;

6 b ut with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go.

But 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.

7 F or I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

For 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.

8 B ut I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost;

I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost,

9 f or a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

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

10 N ow if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:

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

11 l et no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren.

So 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.

12 B ut as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.

As 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.

13 W atch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Be 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!

14 L et all that ye do be done in love.

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

15 N ow I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints),

Now, 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).

16 t hat ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth.

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.

17 A nd I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.

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

18 F or they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.

For 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.

19 T he churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

The 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.

20 A ll the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.

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

21 T he salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

I, Paul, greeting with my own hand.

22 I f any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha.

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

23 T he grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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

24 M y love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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