1Now concerning the collection for the saints, do as I instructed the Churches of Galatia. 2On the first day of the week, each one of you should put aside and save according to God’s blessing, so that no collections be made when I come. 3When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. 4If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will accompany me. 5But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, since I have to go through Macedonia. 6I may also stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my journey. 7Truly, I do not wish to see you only in passing, but I hope to stay with you for a while, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 10Now if Timothy comes, make sure that he has nothing to fear from you, for he does the work of the Lord as I do. 11Therefore, let no one despise him, but set him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
12Now concerning Apollos, the brother: I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers;1833 but it was not his desire to come now. He will come when he has an opportunity.
Encouragements
13Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! 14Let all that you do be done in love.
15Now I beg you, brethren (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to serve the saints), 16that you also be in service to people like this, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for what was lacking on your part, they supplied. 18They refreshed my spirit and yours; show therefore your appreciation to such people.
19The Churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the Church that is in their house. 20All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss!
21This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. 22If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.1834 Maranatha!1835 23May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24My love is with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
- Or “brethren” (In context, this appears to be a group of men)
- Greek anathema
- Aramaic meaning “Come Lord!” or “Our Lord has come!” depending on its punctuation
Text: The Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible, New Testament (EOB). Used with permission.
