1 Corinthians 16:1-24
“Now
about the collection for THE LORD’s people:
Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.
2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set
aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I
come no collections will have to be made.
3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the
men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be
going through Macedonia.
6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the
winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I
hope to spend some time with you, if THE LORD permits.
8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and
there are many who oppose me.
10 When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear
while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of THE LORD, just
as I am.
11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his
way in PEACE so
that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.
12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to
you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he
has the opportunity.
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be
strong.
14 Do everything in love.
15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first
converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the
service of THE
LORD’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters,
16 to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the
work and labors at it.
17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived,
because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve
recognition.
19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings.
Aquila and Priscilla
greet you warmly in THE
LORD, and so does the church that meets at their house.
20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one
another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
22 If anyone does not love THE LORD, let that person be
cursed! Come, LORD!
23 The GRACE of THE LORD JESUS be with you.
24 My love to all of you in CHRIST JESUS. Amen.”
