1AND NOW ABOUT the collection in aid of God's people: you should follow my directions to our congregations in Galatia. 2Every Sunday each of you is to put aside and keep by him a sum in proportion to his gains, so that there may be no collecting when I come. 3When I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to persons approved by you, and send them to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4If it should seem worth while for me to go as well, they shall go with me.
5I shall come to Corinth after passing through Macedonia-for I am travelling by way of Macedonia— 6and I may stay with you, perhaps even for the whole winter, and then you can help me on my way wherever I go next. 7I do not want this to be a flying visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8But I shall remain at Ephesus until Whitsuntide, 9for a great opportunity has opened for effective work, and there is much opposition.
10If Timothy comes, see that you put him at his ease; for it is the Lord's work that he is engaged upon, as I am myself; so no one must slight him. 11Send him happily on his way to join me, since I am waiting for him with our friends. 12As for our friend Apollos, I urged him strongly to go to Corinth with the others, but he was quite determined not to go at present; he will go when opportunity offers.
13Be alert; stand firm in the faith; be valiant and strong. 14Let all you do be done in love.
15I have a request to make of you, my brothers. You know that the Stephanas family were the first converts in Achaia, and have laid themselves out to serve God's people. 16I wish you to give their due position to such persons, and indeed to everyone who labours hard at our common task. 17It is a great pleasure to me that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have done what you had no chance to do; 18they have relieved my mind—and no doubt yours too. Such men deserve recognition.
19Greetings from the congregations in Asia. Many greetings in the Lord from Aquila and Prisca and the congregation at their house. 20Greetings from all the brothers. Greet one another with the kiss of peace.
21This greeting is in my own hand—PAUL.
22If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be outcast.
Marana tha—Come, O Lord!
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24My love to you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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