The collection and Paul’s plans

16 Now when it comes to the collection for God’s people, you should do the same as I laid down for the churches in Galatia. ² On the first day of each week, every one of you should set aside and store up whatever surplus you have gained, so that when I come I won’t have to take an actual collection. ³ Then, when I get to you, I will write formal letters to commission the people you approve, whoever they are, to go to Jerusalem with your gift. ⁴ If it’s appropriate for me to go as well, we can travel together.

⁵ I shall come to you when I’ve been through Macedonia. I intend to pass through Macedonia, you see, ⁶ and I may well end up staying with you, perhaps even through the winter. Then you will be able to send me on to wherever I shall be going to next. ⁷ I don’t want just to see you for a short time; I’m hoping to remain with you for a while, if the Lord allows me to. ⁸ I shall be staying on in Ephesus until Pentecost. ⁹ A huge and important door has opened for me here, and there is plenty of opposition.

Timothy and Apollos

¹⁰ If Timothy comes, take care that he isn’t fearful when he’s with you. He’s doing the Lord’s work, after all, just as I am. ¹¹ Nobody should look down on him. Send him on in peace, so that he can come to me. I’m expecting him, and so is the family here.

¹² As for our brother Apollos, I did my best to persuade him to go to you with the other family members, but it simply wasn’t for the best that he should come just now. He will come when the right moment appears.

¹³ Keep alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong! ¹⁴ Whatever you do, do it with love.

The love that stitches it all together

¹⁵ One more word of exhortation for you, my dear family. You know the household of Stephanas: they were the first fruits of Achaea, and they have set themselves to serve God’s people. ¹⁶ You should submit to people like that, and to everyone who is working with them and laboring hard. ¹⁷ I have thoroughly enjoyed the visit of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus; they have made up for the fact that I haven’t been able to see you. ¹⁸ They have refreshed my spirit and yours. Give proper recognition to such people.

¹⁹ The churches in Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca send you many greetings in the Lord, together with the church in their house. ²⁰ All the family send you greetings. Greet one another with the holy kiss.

²¹ I, Paul, add my greetings in my own hand.

²² If anyone doesn’t love the Lord, let them be accursed! Come, Lord, come! ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. ²⁴ My love be with you all in Messiah Jesus.