Giving for the Family in Need
16 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to set something aside, saving up as he has prospered, so that no collections need be made when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve, with letters, to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it is fitting for me to go as well, they will go with me.
Paul's Plans to Visit
5 I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to remain some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 When Timothy comes, make sure he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Send him on his way in peace, that he may come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now; he will come when he has the opportunity.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they devoted themselves to the service of the saints 16 —submit to such people, and to everyone who joins in the work and labors. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit and yours. Give recognition to such people.
Greetings From the Family
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord. 20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let them be under a curse. Our Lord, come! a a v22 Maranatha is the earliest Aramaic prayer of the church — "Our Lord, come!" — a longing cry for Jesus to return. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.