1 Corinthians 16
The Collection of Gifts
16Now concerning athe collection for bthe saints, as cI directed the churches of dGalatia, so do you also. 2On athe first day of every week each one of you is to 1set something aside, saving whatever he has prospered, so that bno collections be made when I come. 3And when I arrive, awhomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem, 4and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
5But I awill come to you after I go through bMacedonia, for I cam going through Macedonia; 6and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may asend me on my way wherever I may go. 7For I do not wish to see you now ajust in passing, for I hope to remain with you for some time, bif the Lord permits. 8But I will remain in aEphesus until bPentecost, 9for a awide and effective door has opened to me, and bthere are many adversaries.
10Now if aTimothy comes, take care that he is with you without fear, for he is doing bthe Lord’s work, as I also am. 11aSo let no one despise him. But bsend him on his way cin peace, so that he may come to me, for I expect him with the brothers.
12Now concerning aApollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brothers, and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.
Final Instructions and Greetings
13aBe watchful, bstand firm in the faith, cact like men, dbe strong. 14Let all that you do be done ain love.
15Now I exhort you, brothers (you know the ahousehold of Stephanas, that 1they were the bfirst fruits of cAchaia, and that they have devoted themselves for dservice to ethe saints), 16that ayou also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17And I rejoice over the 1,acoming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have 2supplied bwhat was lacking on your part. 18For they ahave refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore brecognize such men.