1 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.

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 O n 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 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.

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 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.

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

I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost,

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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 and keep awake! Stand true to the Lord. Keep on acting like men and 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 E verything you do should 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 Y ou 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I, Paul, greeting with my own hand.

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

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

23 M ay you have the loving-favor of our Lord Jesus.

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

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

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