16:1 | Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. |
16:2 | On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. |
16:3 | Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. |
16:4 | If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me. |
16:5 | After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you--for I will be going through Macedonia. |
16:6 | Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. |
16:7 | I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. |
16:8 | But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, |
16:9 | because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. |
16:10 | If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. |
16:11 | No one, then, should refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers. |
16:12 | Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. |
16:13 | Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. |
16:14 | Do everything in love. |
16:15 | You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, |
16:16 | to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it. |
16:17 | I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. |
16:18 | For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. |
16:19 | The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. |
16:20 | All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. |
16:21 | I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. |
16:22 | If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord! |
16:23 | The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. |
16:24 | My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen. |
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