Instructions and Greetings

1Now concerning the money collected for [the relief of] the saints [in Jerusalem], you are to do the same as I directed the churches of Galatia to do. 2On the first day of every week each one of you is to put something aside, in proportion to his prosperity, and save it so that no collections [will need to] be made when I come. 3When I arrive, I will send whomever you approve with letters [of authorization] to take your gift [of charity and love] to Jerusalem; 4and if it is fitting for me to go too, they will accompany me.

5I will visit you after I go through Macedonia, for I am only passing through Macedonia; 6but it may be that I will stay with you [for a while], or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way to wherever I may go afterward. 7For I do not wish to see you right now just in passing, but I hope to remain with you for some time [later on], if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay in Ephesus until [a]Pentecost, 9because a wide door for effective service has opened to me [in Ephesus, a very promising opportunity], and there are many adversaries.

10If Timothy comes, see to it that [you put him at ease, so that] he has nothing to fear in regard to you, for he is [devotedly] doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11So allow no one to treat him with disdain [as if he were inconsequential]. But send him off [cordially, and speed him on his way] in peace, so that he may come to me, for I am expecting him [to come along] with the other brothers.

12As for our brother Apollos, I have strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. It was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.

13Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. 14Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].

15Brothers and sisters, you know that those of the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to [b]God’s people--now I urge you 16to be subject to such leaders [treating them with courtesy and respect], and to everyone who helps in the work and labors [for the benefit of yourselves and the church]. 17I rejoice because Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have arrived, for they have made up for your absence. 18They have refreshed my spirit as well as yours. So fully acknowledge such men and deeply appreciate them.

19The churches of Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church [that meets] in their house, send you their warm greetings in the Lord. 20All the believers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21This greeting is in my own hand--Paul. 22If anyone does not love the Lord [does not obey and respect and believe in Jesus Christ and His message], he is to be accursed. Maranatha (O our Lord, come)! 23The grace of our Lord Jesus [His unmerited favor, His spiritual blessing, His profound mercy] be with you. 24My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.