1Cor 16 | EE | STEP | Now, I want to speak about the money that you will give to God’s people at Jerusalem. I told the churches in Galatia what they must do about that. You should do the same.

1 Corinthians 16

The gift of money for God’s people

1 Now, I want to speak about the money that you will give to God’s people at Jerusalem. I told the churches in Galatia what they must do about that. ^{▼▼16:1 Galatia was part of the country that is called Turkey now.} You should do the same. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you should put some of your money in a special place. You should keep this money separate and safe. Then, when I come to you, your gift of money will be ready. Some of you have more money than other people, so you can give more. 3 Then you should choose people from your group who will take your gift to Jerusalem. I will visit you. And then, I will send those people to Jerusalem with letters from me. Those letters will tell the Christians at Jerusalem who is bringing your gift. 4 I may go myself also, if that seems the right thing for me to do. Then they can travel with me.

5 But I must go to Macedonia first. ^{▼▼16:5 Macedonia was north from the country called Greece now.} After I have travelled through Macedonia, then I will come to you. 6 Perhaps I could remain with you for some time then. I may even stay for the whole winter. Then you can help me to continue my journey to the next place. I am not sure yet where that may be. 7 I want to stay with you for more than a short time, so I will not come immediately. If the Lord says ‘Yes’ to this idea, then I hope to remain with you for many days. 8 But now, I will remain here at Ephesus city until Pentecost. ^{▼▼16:8 Ephesus was a city in the country that we call Turkey now. Pentecost was the special time each year when Israel’s people thanked God for their food.} 9 God has given me the chance to do a great and powerful work for him here. But there are many enemies here too.

Paul finishes his letter

10 If Timothy comes to you, then make him feel completely happy there with you. He is doing the Lord’s work, the same as I am doing the Lord’s work. 11 So, nobody should think that Timothy is not important. You must help him to be free from trouble. Then, send him on his way, so that he can return to me. I am waiting for him, with the other Christian friends, to return here.

12 Now I want to talk about our friend Apollos. I asked him very seriously to go, with the other Christians, so that he could visit you. But he does not think that this is the right time. He will go when he gets the chance.

13 Stay awake. Watch what is happening. Never stop believing God. Be brave and strong. 14 Do everything because you love God and other people.

15 You know about Stephanas and his family. They were the first people in Achaia to become Christians. ^{▼▼16:15 Achaia was the south part of the country that we call Greece.} And they have given themselves to be servants of God’s people always. So, my friends, I ask you this strongly. 16 I ask you to let people like these be your leaders. Also, be ready to obey everyone else who helps with the same work. 17 I was very happy when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived here. You could not help me because you were far away. But they have given to me what you could not give. 18 They have made my spirit strong and happy, the same as they made you strong and happy. People who are like that are very valuable. You ought to show them that you know that.

19 The churches here in Asia region say ‘Hello’ to you. Aquila and Priscilla, and the group that meets in their house, want very much to say ‘Hello’ to you. They love you because you are also the Lord’s people. 20 All the Christians here say ‘Hello’ to you. When you meet each other, kiss each other like brothers and sisters.

21 I myself am writing this now with my own hand: I, Paul, say ‘hello’ to you. 22 If any of you do not really love the Lord, he will punish you. Come, Lord, we are waiting for you! 23 I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will continue to be kind to all of you. 24 I love all of you, because Christ Jesus makes us join together.