Instructions and Greetings
1 Now concerning the money collected for [the relief of] the saints [in Jerusalem], you are to do the same as I directed the churches of Galatiato do.
2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put something aside, in proportion to his prosperity, and save it so that no collections [will need to] be made when I come.
3 When I arrive, I will send whomever you approve with letters [of authorization] to take your gift [of charity and love] to Jerusalem;
4 and if it is fitting for me to go too, they will accompany me.
5 I will visit you after I go through Macedonia, for I am only passing through Macedonia;
6 but it may be that I will stay with you [for a while], or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way to wherever I may goafterward.
7 For I do not wish to see you right nowjustin passing, but I hope to remain with you for some time [later on], if the Lord permits.
8 But I will stay in Ephesus untilPentecost,
9 because a wide door for effective service has opened to me [in Ephesus, a very promising opportunity], and there are many adversaries.
10 If Timothy comes, see to it that [you put him at ease, so that] he has nothing to fear in regard to you, for he is [devotedly] doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.
11 So allow no one to treat him with disdain [as if he were inconsequential]. But send him off [cordially, and speed him on his way] in peace, so that he may come to me, for I am expecting him [to come along] with theotherbrothers.
12 As for our brother Apollos, I have strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. It was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.
13 Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] menandbe courageous; be strong.
14 Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].
15 Brothers and sisters, you know thatthose ofthe household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry toGod’s people–now I urge you
16 to be subject to such leaders [treating them with courtesy and respect], and to everyone who helps in the work and labors [for the benefit of yourselves and the church].
17 I rejoice because Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have arrived, for they have made up for your absence.
18 They have refreshed my spirit as well as yours. So fully acknowledge such menanddeeply appreciate them.
19 The churches of Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church [that meets] in their house, send you their warm greetings in the Lord.
20 All the believers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 This greeting is in my own hand–Paul.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord [does not obey and respect and believe in Jesus Christ and His message], he is to be accursed. Maranatha (O our Lord, come)!
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus [His unmerited favor, His spiritual blessing, His profound mercy] be with you.
24 My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.