1 Corinthians 16

1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

3And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

4And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

5Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

6And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

7For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

12As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

14Let all your things be done with charity.

15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

20All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timotheus.

The Collection for the Saints

1Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: 2On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed. 3Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

5After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia. 6Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,footnote a 9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

Timothy and Apollos

10If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am. 11No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.

12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

Concluding Exhortations

13Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. 14Do everything in love.

15You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, 16to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

17I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.

Signature and Final Greetings

19The churches in the province of Asiafootnote b send you greetings.
Aquila and Priscafootnote c greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

20All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.

22If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!footnote d

23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.
Amen.footnote e