1 Corinthians

Collection for the Faithful in Jerusalem and Final Greetings

Regarding the collection for the saints, follow the instructions I gave to the churches in Galatia.

On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside whatever you can, so that no collection will be necessary when I visit.

Then, when I arrive, I will send those you approve with letters of recommendation to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.

And if it seems better for me to go, they will accompany me.

I will visit you after I pass through Macedonia because I want to go only through Macedonia.

I would like to stay with you for a while, and perhaps I will spend the winter so you can help me on my journey wherever I go.

I do not want to see you just in passing; I truly hope to stay with you, if the Lord permits.

However, I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost

because I have a wide-open door here, despite having many opponents.

When Timothy comes, make him feel at ease with you. Remember that, like me, he is working for the Lord.

Let no one look down on him. Help him keep going so he can return to me without trouble. I am expecting him with the brothers.

As for our brother Apollos, I have strongly encouraged him to visit you with the brothers, but he didn’t want to go at all; he will visit you at his first opportunity.

Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, and be strong.

Let love be in all that you do.

Now, brothers and sisters, you know that in Achaia there is no one better than Stephanas and his family, and that they have devoted themselves to serving the holy ones.

I urge you to respect such people and to anyone who works and labors with them.

I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus are coming because they could represent you.

In fact, they comforted both my spirit and yours. Value people like them.

The churches of Asia send their greetings. Aquila and Prisca send their greetings in the Lord, as does the church that meets in their house.

All the brothers and sisters send their greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

The greeting is from me, Paul, written in my own hand.

A curse on anyone who does not love the Lord! Maranatha! Come, Lord!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

My love to all, in Christ Jesus.