New American Standard Bible

New Living Translation

Instructions and Greetings

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.

1

The Collection for Jerusalem

Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia.

2

On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

2

On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

3

When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;

3

When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.

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and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.

4

And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

5

But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;

5

Paul’s Final Instructions

I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia,a for I am planning to travel through Macedonia.

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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.

6

Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination.

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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.

7

This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me.

8

But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;

8

In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost.

9

for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

9

There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.

10

Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am.

10

When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I 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.

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Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.b

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.

12

Now about our brother Apollos — I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.

13

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

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Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous.c Be strong.

14

Let all that you do be done in love.

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And do everything with love.

15

Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints),

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You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece,d and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters,e

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that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.

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to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.

17

I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.

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I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me.

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For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

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They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

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The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

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Paul’s Final Greetings

The churches here in the province of Asiaf send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscillag and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings.

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All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

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All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss.

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The greeting is in my own hand — Paul.

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Here is my greeting in my own handwriting — Paul.

22

If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.

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If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come!h