16:1 NOW CONCERNING the money contributed for [the relief of] the saints (God's people): you are to do the same as I directed the churches of Galatia to do. |
16:2 On the first [day] of each week, let each one of you [personally] put aside something and save it up as he has prospered [in proportion to what he is given], so that no collections will need to be taken after I come. |
16:3 And when I arrive, I will send on those whom you approve {and} authorize with credentials to carry your gift [of charity] to Jerusalem. |
16:4 If it seems worthwhile that I should go too, they will accompany me. |
16:5 After passing through Macedonia, I will visit you, for I intend [only] to pass through Macedonia; |
16:6 But it may be that I will stay with you [for a while], perhaps even spend the winter, so that you may bring me forward [on my journey] to wherever I may go. |
16:7 For I am unwilling to see you right now [just] in passing, but I hope later to remain for some time with you, if the Lord permits. |
16:8 I will remain in Ephesus [however] until Pentecost, |
16:9 For a wide door of opportunity for effectual [service] has opened to me [there, a great and promising one], and [there are] many adversaries. |
16:10 When Timothy arrives, see to it that [you put him at ease, so that] he may be fearless among you, for he is [devotedly] doing the Lord's work, just as I am. |
16:11 So [see to it that] no one despises him {or} treats him as if he were of no account {or} slights him. But send him off [cordially, speed him on his way] in peace, that he may come to me, for I am expecting him [to come along] with the other brethren. |
16:12 As for our brother Apollos, I have urgently encouraged him to visit you with the other brethren, but it was not at all his will {or} God's will that he should go now. He will come when he has opportunity. |
16:13 Be alert {and} on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men {and} be courageous; grow in strength! |
16:14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us). |
16:15 Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts {and} our firstfruits in Achaia (most of Greece), and how they have consecrated {and} devoted themselves to the service of the saints (God's people). |
16:16 I urge you to pay all deference to such leaders {and} to enlist under them {and} be subject to them, as well as to everyone who joins {and} cooperates [with you] {and} labors earnestly. |
16:17 I am happy because Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have come [to me], for they have made up for your absence. |
16:18 For they gave me respite from labor {and} rested me {and} refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Deeply appreciate {and} thoroughly know {and} fully recognize such men. |
16:19 The churches of Asia send greetings {and} best wishes. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church [that meets] in their house, send you their hearty greetings in the Lord. |
16:20 All the brethren wish to be remembered to you {and} wish you well. Greet one another with a holy kiss. |
16:21 I, Paul, [add this final] greeting with my own hand. |
16:22 If anyone does not love the Lord [does not have a friendly affection for Him and is not kindly disposed toward Him], he shall be accursed! Our Lord will come! (Maranatha!) |
16:23 The grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of our Lord Jesus {Christ} be with you. |
16:24 My love (that true love growing out of sincere devotion to God) be with you all in Christ Jesus. {Amen (so be it).} |