1With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia: | 1With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia: |
2On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come. | 2On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come. |
3Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem. | 3Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem. |
4And if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will go with me. | 4And if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will go with me. |
5But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia--for I will be going through Macedonia-- | 5But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia--for I will be going through Macedonia-- |
6and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you can send me on my journey, wherever I go. | 6and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you can send me on my journey, wherever I go. |
7For I do not want to see you now in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. | 7For I do not want to see you now in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. |
8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, | 8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, |
9because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me, but there are many opponents. | 9because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me, but there are many opponents. |
10Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I am too. | 10Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I am too. |
11So then, let no one treat him with contempt. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers. | 11So then, let no one treat him with contempt. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers. |
12With regard to our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was simply not his intention to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity. | 12With regard to our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was simply not his intention to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity. |
13Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong. | 13Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong. |
14Everything you do should be done in love. | 14Everything you do should be done in love. |
15Now, brothers and sisters, you know about the household of Stephanus, that as the first converts of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints. I urge you | 15Now, brothers and sisters, you know about the household of Stephanus, that as the first converts of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints. I urge you |
16also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard. | 16also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard. |
17I was glad about the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked. | 17I was glad about the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked. |
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this. | 18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this. |
19The churches in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house. | 19The churches in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house. |
20All the brothers and sisters send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. | 20All the brothers and sisters send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. |
21I, Paul, send this greeting with my own hand. | 21I, Paul, send this greeting with my own hand. |
22Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed. Our Lord, come! | 22Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed. Our Lord, come! |
23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. | 23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. |
24My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. | 24My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. |
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