1 N ow concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the assemblies of Galatia, so do ye do also.

I want to tell you what to do about the money you are gathering for the Christians. Do the same as I told the churches in the country of Galatia to do.

2 O n first of week let each of you put by at home, laying up whatever he may have prospered, that there may be no collections when I come.

On the first day of every week each of you should put aside some of your money. Give a certain part of what you have earned. Keep it there because I do not want money gathered when I come.

3 A nd when I am arrived, whomsoever ye shall approve, these I will send with letters to carry your bounty to Jerusalem:

When I get there, I will give letters to the men you want to send. They will take your gift to Jerusalem.

4 a nd if it be suitable that I also should go, they shall go with me.

If I can go, they can go with me. Plans for a Visit

5 B ut I will come to you when I shall have gone through Macedonia; for I do go through Macedonia.

I want to visit you after I have gone through the country of Macedonia for I am going through there.

6 B ut perhaps I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that ye may set me forward wheresoever I may go.

I may be staying with you and even spend the winter with you. Then you can send me on my way to the next place.

7 F or I will not see you now in passing, for I hope to remain a certain time with you, if the Lord permit.

I do not want to stop now. I want to spend some time with you when I can stay longer, if that is what the Lord wants.

8 B ut I remain in Ephesus until Pentecost.

I will stay in the city of Ephesus until the special day to remember how the Holy Spirit came on the church.

9 F or a great door is opened to me and an effectual, and adversaries many.

A wide door has been opened to me here to preach the Good News. But there are many who work against me.

10 N ow if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear; for he works the work of the Lord, even as I.

If Timothy comes, receive him and help him so he will not be afraid. He is working for the Lord as I am.

11 L et not therefore any one despise him; but set him forward in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.

Everyone should respect him. Send him on his way to me in peace. I expect to see him and some of the other Christians soon.

12 N ow concerning the brother Apollos, I begged him much that he would go to you with the brethren; but it was not at all will to go now; but he will come when he shall have good opportunity.

I wanted brother Apollos to go with the other Christians to visit you. But he is not sure he should go now. He will come when he can.

13 B e vigilant; stand fast in the faith; quit yourselves like men; be strong.

Watch and keep awake! Stand true to the Lord. Keep on acting like men and be strong.

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

Everything you do should be done in love.

15 B ut I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the saints for service,)

You know that the families of Stephanas were the first Christians in the country of Greece. They are working for the Lord in helping His people.

16 t hat ye should also be subject to such, and to every one joined in the work and labouring.

I ask you to listen to leaders like these and work with them as well as others like them.

17 B ut I rejoice in the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus; because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.

I am happy that Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus came here. They have helped me and you would have also if you had been here.

18 F or they have refreshed my spirit and yours: own therefore such.

They have made me happy. They would have made you happy also. Show them you are thankful for their help.

19 T he assemblies of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla, with the assembly in their house, salute you much in Lord.

The churches in the countries of Asia say hello. Aquila and Priscilla and the Christians who meet in their house say hello with Christian love.

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

All the Christians here greet you. Greet each other with a kiss of holy love.

21 T he salutation of Paul with my own hand.

I, Paul, am writing the last part of this letter with my own hand.

22 I f any one love not the Lord let him be Anathema Maranatha.

If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be kept from being with Christ. The Lord is coming soon!

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

May you have the loving-favor of our Lord Jesus.

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

I love you all through Christ Jesus. Let it be so.