New Living Translation

English Standard Version

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.

1

The Collection for the Saints

Now concerninga the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.

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.

2

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

3

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

3

And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

4

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

4

If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

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.

5

Plans for Travel

I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia,

6

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

6

and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go.

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.

7

For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

8

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

8

But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,

9

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

9

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

10

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

10

When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.

11

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

11

So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

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.

12

Final Instructions

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his willb to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

13

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

13

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

14

And do everything with love.

14

Let all that you do be done in love.

15

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

15

Now I urge you, brothersc — you know that the householdd of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints —

16

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

16

be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

17

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.

17

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,

18

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.

18

for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

19

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.

19

Greetings

The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.

20

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

20

All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21

Here is my greeting in my own handwriting — Paul.

21

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.

22

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

22

If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!e