1 N ow concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do 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 O n the first day of the week, let each one of you save, 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 W hen I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious 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 it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.

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

5 B ut I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing 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 will stay, or even winter, that you may send 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 do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay 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 stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,

I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost,

9 f or a great and effective door has opened to 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 comes, see that he is with you without fear, 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 T herefore 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.

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 N ow 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.

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! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! 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 you 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 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),

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

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 rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, 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. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

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 assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly 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 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 his greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.

I, Paul, greeting with my own hand.

22 I f any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Come, Lord!

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 to all of you 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).