Instructions and Greetings

¹Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. ² On the first day of every week each one of you is to ^[a]put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. ³ When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; ⁴ and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.

⁵ But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going 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 may go. ⁷ For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits. ⁸ But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; ⁹ for a wide door ^[b]for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

¹⁰ Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without ^[c]cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am. ¹¹ So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.

¹² But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.

¹³ Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. ¹⁴ Let all that you do be done in love.

¹⁵ Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that ^[d]they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), ¹⁶ that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. ¹⁷ I rejoice over the ^[e]coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have ^[f]supplied what was lacking on your part. ¹⁸ For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

¹⁹ The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. ²⁰ All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

²¹ The greeting is in my own hand—^[g]Paul. ²² If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be ^[h]accursed. ^[i]Maranatha. ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. ²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.