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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1 Corinthians 16: MSG
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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.
1 Corinthians 16
16
The Collection for the People in Jerusalem
1Now, concerning the money to be collected for God’s people ⌞in Jerusalem⌟: I want you to do as I directed the churches in Galatia. 2Every Sunday each of you should set aside some of your money and save it. Then money won’t have to be collected when I come. 3When I come, I will give letters of introduction to the people whom you choose. You can send your gift to Jerusalem with them. 4If I think it’s worthwhile for me to go, they can go with me.
Paul’s Plans
5After I go through the province of Macedonia, I’ll visit you. (I will be going through Macedonia.) 6I’ll probably stay with you. I might even spend the winter. Then you can give me your support as I travel, wherever I decide to go. 7Right now all I could do is visit you briefly, but if the Lord lets me, I hope to spend some time with you. 8I will be staying here in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9I have a great opportunity to do effective work here, although there are many people who oppose me.
News about Timothy, Apollos, and Others
10If Timothy comes, make sure that he doesn’t have anything to be afraid of while he is with you. He’s doing the Lord’s work as I am, 11so no one should treat him with contempt. Without quarreling, give him your support for his trip so that he may come to me. I’m expecting him to arrive with the other Christians.
12Concerning Apollos, our brother in the Christian faith: I tried hard to get him to visit you with the other Christians. He didn’t want to at this time. However, he will visit you when he has an opportunity.
13Be alert. Be firm in the Christian faith. Be courageous and strong. 14Do everything with love.
15You know that the family of Stephanas was the first family to be won ⌞for Christ⌟ in Greece. This family has devoted itself to serving God’s people. So I encourage you, brothers and sisters, 16to follow the example of people like these and anyone else who shares their labor and hard work. 17I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came here. They have made up for your absence. 18They have comforted me, and they have comforted you. Therefore, show people like these your appreciation.
Greetings
19The churches in the province of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca and the church that meets in their house send their warmest Christian greetings. 20All the brothers and sisters ⌞here⌟ greet you. Greet each other with a holy kiss. 21I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand.
22If anyone doesn’t love the Lord, let him be cursed! Our Lord, come!
23May the good will #16:23 Or “grace.” of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24Through Christ Jesus my love is with all of you.
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GOD'S WORD® Translation ©1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God's Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.