1 Now concerning the collection
for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches
of Galatia. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put
aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be
taken when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve
with letters to take 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 Macedonia—for I intend to pass 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 I do not want to see you now just in
passing, for 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 If Timothy comes, see that
he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord
just as I am; 11 therefore let no one despise him. Send him on his way
in peace, so 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
visit you with the other brothers, but he was not at all willing to come
now. He will come when he has the opportunity.
13 Keep alert, stand firm in
your faith, be courageous, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in
love. 15 Now, brothers and sisters, you know that members of the
household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have
devoted themselves to the service of the saints; 16 I urge you to put
yourselves at the service of such people, and of everyone who works and
toils with them. 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 as well as yours. So give recognition to such
persons.
19 The churches of Asia send
greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house,
greet you warmly in the Lord. 20 All the brothers and sisters send
greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, write this
greeting with my own hand. 22 Let anyone be accursed who has no love for
the Lord. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24
My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. |