New King James Version

New Living Translation

Collection for the Saints

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do 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 the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections 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

And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear 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.

4

But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

4

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

5

Personal Plans

Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing 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 it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.

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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 on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, 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 tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.

8

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

9

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

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

10

And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

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

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Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for 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

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

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.

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Final Exhortations

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

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

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Let all that you do be done with love.

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And do everything with love.

15

I urge you, brethren — you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of 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 submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

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

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I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.

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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 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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Greetings and a Solemn Farewell

The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla 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 salutation with my own hand — Paul’s.

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Here is my greeting in my own handwriting — Paul.

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If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be [a]accursed. O[b] Lord, come!

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