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 collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.

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 day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when 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.

When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.

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

If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.

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

But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing 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 with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I 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 do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while 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.

But I will stay at 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 great and effective door has opened to me, and there are 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.

Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

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.

Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.

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.

Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.

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

Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!

14 E verything you do should be done in love.

Let all that you do be done in love.

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 I beg you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints),

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

that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.

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 rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.

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

For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

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 assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.

20 A ll the Christians here greet you. Greet each other with a kiss of holy love.

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

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

This greeting is by me, Paul, 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 any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Come, Lord!

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

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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

My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.