1 ¶ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the congregations of Galatia, do ye likewise.

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 E ach first sabbath let each one of you set aside in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no collections 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 come, whomever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality 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 is appropriate that I go also, they shall go with me.

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

5 ¶ Now I will come unto you, when I have passed through Macedonia, for I must pass through Macedonia.

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

6 A nd it may be that I will abide and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey wherever 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 desire not to see you now in passing, but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permits.

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 and effectual door 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 ¶ Now if Timothy comes, see that he may stay with you securely, for he does 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 conduct him forth in peace that he may come unto me, for I look for him with the brothers.

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 A s touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with some of the brothers, but his will was not at all to come at this time, 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 ¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be brave, 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 your things be done with charity.

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

15 I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia and that they have dedicated themselves to the ministry of 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 submit yourselves unto such and to each one that helps and labours.

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 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, for they have filled your absence.

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

18 F or they have refreshed my spirit and yours; therefore, acknowledge ye those 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 ¶ The congregations of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the congregation 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 brothers greet you. Greet ye 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, is with my own hand.

I, Paul, greeting with my own hand.

22 I f any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema. Our Lord has come.

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

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

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

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

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