1 Corinthians 16

The Offering for the Lord’s People 1Now I want to deal with the offering of money for the Lord’s people. Do what I told the churches in Galatia to do. 2On the first day of every week, each of you should put some money away. The amount should be in keeping with how much money you make. Save the money so that you won’t have to take up an offering when I come. 3When I arrive, I will send some people with your gift to Jerusalem. They will be people you consider to be good. And I will give them letters that explain who they are.

4If it seems good for me to go also, they will go with me.

What Paul Asks for Himself 5After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you. I will only be passing through Macedonia. 6But I might stay with you for a while. I might even spend the winter. Then you can help me on my journey everywhere I go. 7I don’t want to see you now while I am just passing through. Instead, I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows it. 8But I will stay at Ephesus until the day of Pentecost.

9A door has opened wide for me to do some good work here. There are many people who oppose me. 10Timothy will visit you. Make sure he has nothing to worry about while he is with you. He is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.

11No one should treat him badly. Send him safely on his way so he can return to me. I’m expecting him to come back along with the others.

12I want to say something about our brother Apollos. I tried my best to get him to go to you with the others. But he didn’t want to go right now. He will go when he can. 13Be on your guard. Remain strong in the faith. Be brave.

14Be loving in everything you do. 15You know that the first believers in Achaia were from the family of Stephanas. They have spent all their time serving the Lord’s people. Brothers and sisters, I am asking you 16to follow the lead of people like them. Follow everyone who joins in the task and works hard at it. 17I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived. They have supplied me with what you couldn’t give me.

18They renewed my spirit, and yours also. People like them are worthy of honor.

Final Greetings 19The churches in Asia Minor send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly because of the Lord’s love. So does the church that meets in their house.

20All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand.

22If anyone does not love the Lord, let a curse be on that person! Come, Lord!

23May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24I give my love to all of you who belong to Christ Jesus. Amen.