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).}