Dual PanelThe Collection for Believers in Judea
1Now, about the collection of money for God’s people: Do the same as I told the Galatian churches to do.
2On the first day of every week, each of you should take some of your money and put it in a special place. Save up as much as you can from what you are blessed with. Then you will not have to gather it all after I come.
3When I arrive, I will send some men to take your gift to Jerusalem. These will be the ones you all agree should go. I will send them with letters of introduction.
4If it seems good for me to go too, we can all travel together.
Paul’s Plans
5I plan to go through Macedonia, so I will come to you after that.
6Maybe I will stay with you for a time. I might even stay all winter. Then you can help me on my trip, wherever I go.
7I don’t want to come see you now, because I would have to leave to go to other places. I hope to stay a longer time with you, if the Lord allows it.
8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost.
9I will stay here, because a good opportunity for a great and growing work has been given to me now. And there are many people working against it.
10Timothy might come to you. Try to make him feel comfortable with you. He is working for the Lord the same as I am.
11So none of you should refuse to accept Timothy. Help him continue on his trip in peace so that he can come back to me. I am expecting him to come back with the other brothers.
12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. He prefers not to come now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.
Paul Ends His Letter
13Be careful. Hold firmly to your faith. Have courage and be strong.
14Do everything in love.
15You know that Stephanas and his family were the first believers in Achaia. They have given themselves to the service of God’s people. I ask you, brothers and sisters,
16to follow the leading of people like these and others who work hard and serve together with them.
17I am happy that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come. You are not here, but they have filled your place.
18They have been a great encouragement to me and to you as well. You should recognize the value of such people.
19The churches in Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you in the Lord. Also the church that meets in their house sends greetings.
20All the brothers and sisters here send their greetings. Give each other the special greeting of God’s people.
21Here’s my greeting in my own handwriting—SAUL.
22If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be separated from God—lost forever! Come, O Lord!
23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.