²⁹ The disciples,^(A) as each one was able, decided to provide help^(B) for the brothers and sisters^(C) living in Judea.

³⁰ This they did, sending their gift to the elders^(A) by Barnabas^(B) and Saul.^(C)

²⁵ Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem^(A) in the service^(B) of the Lord’s people^(C) there. ²⁶ For Macedonia^(D) and Achaia^(E) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.^{(F) 27} They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.^{(G) 28} So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain^(H) and visit you on the way.

³¹ Pray that I may be kept safe^(A) from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution^(B) I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people^(C) there,

The Collection for the Lord’s People

16 Now about the collection^(A) for the Lord’s people:^(B) Do what I told the Galatian^(C) churches to do. ² On the first day of every week,^(D) each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.^{(E) 3} Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve^(F) and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

¹⁵ You know that the household of Stephanas^(A) were the first converts^(B) in Achaia,^(C) and they have devoted themselves to the service^(D) of the Lord’s people.^(E) I urge you, brothers and sisters,

The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian^(A) churches. ² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.^{(B) 3} For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,^(C) and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing^(D) in this service^(E) to the Lord’s people.^(F)

¹⁰ All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor,^(A) the very thing I had been eager to do all along.