Concerning the Collection for the Saints

1Now concerning the collection for the saints, you should follow the directions I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2After the Sabbath ends,a each of you should set aside and save something from your surplus in proportion to what you have, so that no collections will have to be made when I arrive. 3When I arrive, I will send letters along with the men you approve to take your gift to Jerusalem. 4If it is worthwhile for me to go, too, they can go with me.

Plans for Travel

5I will visit you when I go through Macedonia—for I intend to go through Macedonia— 6and will probably stay with you for a whileb or even spend the winter with you.c Then you can send me on my way, wherever I decide to go. 7I do not want to visit with you now just in passing, because I hope to spend a longer time with you if the Lord permits. 8However, I’ll stay on in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a door has opened wide for me to do effective work, although many people are opposing me.

10If Timothy comes, see to it that he does not have anything to be afraid of while he is with you, for he is doing the Lord’s work as I am. 11Therefore, no one should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me, because I am expecting him along with the brothers.

12Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the otherd brothers, but he was not inclined to do so just now. However, he will visit youe when the time is right.

Final Instructions

13Remain alert. Keep standing firm in your faith. Keep on being courageous and strong. 14Everything you do should be done lovingly. 15Now I urge you, brothers—for you know that the members of the family of Stephanas were the first convertsf in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to serving the saints— 16to submit yourselves to people like these and to anyone else who shares their labor and hard work. 17I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came here, because what was lacking they have supplied through you. 18They refreshed my spirit—and yours, too. Therefore, appreciate men like that.

Final Greetings

19The churches in Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscag and the church in their house greet you warmly in union with the Lord. 20All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.h 21I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand.

22If anyone doesn’t love the Lord,

let him be condemned!

May our Lord come!i

23May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you!

24May my love remainj with all of you

in union with the Messiahk Jesus.l