1 Corinthians 16
1Now, concerning the collection of funds for the holy ones: you should follow the same directions I gave to the assemblies in Galatia. 2On the first day of every week, each of you should set something aside at home, storing up whatever success your work has brought, so that no collections have to be made only when I arrive. 3And when I come, I will send those whom you approve through letters of recommendation to carry your generous gift to Jerusalem. 4If it seems appropriate for me to go as well, they will travel with me.
5I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia—for I am indeed passing through Macedonia— 6and I may stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you might provision me and send me on my way to wherever I travel next. 7I do not want to see you now just in passing; I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9for a door has opened for me, large and full of potential, even though there are many who oppose me.
10If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the Lord’s work just as I am. 11Therefore, let no one treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers. 12Concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now; he will come when he has the opportunity.
13Stay alert! Stand firm in the faith! Act with courage! Be strong! 14Let everything you do be done in love.
15Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters: you know that the household of Stephanas was the first harvest from Achaia, and they have appointed themselves to the service of the holy ones. 16I urge you to place yourselves under the guidance of such people, and under everyone who joins in the work and labors hard. 17I rejoice at the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, because they have filled the void left by your absence. 18They have refreshed my spirit and yours. Give full recognition, therefore, to such people.
19The assemblies in Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca, together with the assembly that meets in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord. 20All the brothers and sisters greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21This greeting is in my own hand—Paul’s. 22If anyone does not love the Lord, let them be anathema. Marana tha. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.[/SPEAKER]