1 | Now concerning the contribution for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. |
2 | On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that contributions need not be made when I come. |
3 | And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. |
4 | If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. |
5 | I will visit you after passing through Macedo'nia, for I intend to pass through Macedo'nia, |
6 | and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may speed me on my journey, wherever I go. |
7 | For I do not want to see you now just in passing; I hope to spend 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, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. |
11 | So let no one despise him. Speed him on his way in peace, that he may return to me; for I am expecting him with the brethren. |
12 | As for our brother Apol'los, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brethren, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity. |
13 | Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. |
14 | Let all that you do be done in love. |
15 | Now, brethren, you know that the household of Steph'anas were the first converts in Acha'ia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; |
16 | I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. |
17 | I rejoice at the coming of Steph'anas and Fortuna'tus and Acha'icus, because they have made up for your absence; |
18 | for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. |
19 | The churches of Asia send greetings. Aq'uila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. |
20 | All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. |
21 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. |
22 | If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! |
23 | The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. |
24 | My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. |