1 Corinthians 16
16
Helpful directions and greetings
1Finally, as to the fund — I have given instructions to the churches in Galatia about this collection, which is to be used by the church at Jerusalem, and I repeat the same instructions to you. 2I do not wish the money to be collected when I come, but begin now, every Sabbath, to put by something as each is able to afford it. 3I want you after that to appoint certain members to travel with the amount collected to Jerusalem. 4If the sum is a large one, I shall accompany this mission myself. 5-7For I intend to be with you shortly. I hope possibly to winter with you, at any rate, if the Lord permit, to be with you for a considerable time, not merely to visit you, en route for somewhere else. And I hope that some of you will accompany me when I leave. I shall come by way of Macedonia. 8At present I remain at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9The door is open here, wide open, and much work is being done, but the opposition is great. 10-11If Timothy comes to you, let him not feel that he is unwelcome, be generous and hospitable, for it is the Lord’s work that both he and I together pursue; and send him again to me with your kind thoughts, for I need him here. 12I have told Apollos again and again to go to you, and to take with him the brethren who usually accompany him; but I have never found him willing, because the opportunity has always been wanting hitherto, but he will come, when he is able. 13Be watchful and alert, stand, — for you can stand, — in the faith alone, without our help; be brave, and master yourselves. 14Then you will have nothing to fear. 15I have a thing to ask you, I beg you to remember the work Stephanas has done, the first of those who came into the faith in Achaia. He and his household have constantly ministered to those who are in the faith. 16They have set themselves to that task and it was a joy to me that they came here. 17-18Listen to them, and be guided by them, I pray you, and by all who work with them. Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus refreshed my spirit and yours too by their presence, which made up for your absence. Remember such workers as these.
19Greetings are sent to you with this from the churches of Asia, from Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, and the church which assembles in their house. 20All the brethren salute you. Salute one another, brethren, with a holy kiss.
21I now sign this letter with my own hand — Paul — and I subscribe these words. 22Let him that loves not the Lord be anathema, MARAN ATHA. 23See, I have written it with my own hand. 24The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you, and my love be with you all in Christ Jesus.
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Translated in 1916, published in 1937.
1 Corinthians 16
16
Coming to See You
1-4Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you’ll have it ready, and I won’t have to make a special appeal. Then after I arrive, I’ll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift. If you think it best that I go along, I’ll be glad to travel with them.
5-9I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won’t be staying long there, but maybe I can stay awhile with you—maybe even spend the winter? Then you could give me a good send-off, wherever I may be headed next. I don’t want to just drop by in between other “primary” destinations. I want a good, long, leisurely visit. If the Master agrees, we’ll have it! For the present, I’m staying right here in Ephesus. A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
10-11If Timothy shows up, take good care of him. Make him feel completely at home among you. He works so hard for the Master, just as I do. Don’t let anyone disparage him. After a while, send him on to me with your blessing. Tell him I’m expecting him, and any friends he has with him.
12About our friend Apollos, I’ve done my best to get him to pay you a visit, but haven’t talked him into it yet. He doesn’t think this is the right time. But there will be a “right time.”
13-14Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
15-16Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they’ve put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to.
17-18I want you to know how delighted I am to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus here with me. They partially make up for your absence! They’ve refreshed me by keeping me in touch with you. Be proud that you have people like this among you.
19The churches here in western Asia send greetings.
Aquila, Priscilla, and the church that meets in their house say hello.
20All the friends here say hello.
Pass the greetings around with holy hugs!
21And I, Paul—in my own handwriting!—send you my regards.
22If anyone won’t love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!
23Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you.
24And I love all of you in the Messiah, in Jesus.
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THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of NavPress. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers.