| 16:1 | Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. |
| 16:2 | Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you'll have it ready, and I won't have to make a special appeal. |
| 16:3 | Then after I arrive, I'll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift. |
| 16:4 | If you think it best that I go along, I'll be glad to travel with them. |
| 16:5 | I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won't be staying long there, |
| 16:6 | but maybe I can stay awhile with you--maybe even spend the winter? Then you could give me a good send-off, wherever I may be headed next. |
| 16:7 | I don't want to just drop by in between other "primary" destinations. I want a good, long, leisurely visit. If the Master agrees, we'll have it! |
| 16:8 | For the present, I'm staying right here in Ephesus. |
| 16:9 | A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.) |
| 16:10 | If Timothy shows up, take good care of him. Make him feel completely at home among you. He works so hard for the Master, just as I do. |
| 16:11 | Don't let anyone disparage him. After a while, send him on to me with your blessing. Tell him I'm expecting him, and any friends he has with him. |
| 16:12 | About our friend Apollos, I've done my best to get him to pay you a visit, but haven't talked him into it yet. He doesn't think this is the right time. But there will be a "right time." |
| 16:13 | Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, |
| 16:14 | and love without stopping. |
| 16:15 | Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they've put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to |
| 16:16 | honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to. |
| 16:17 | I want you to know how delighted I am to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus here with me. They partially make up for your absence! |
| 16:18 | They've refreshed me by keeping me in touch with you. Be proud that you have people like this among you. |
| 16:19 | The churches here in western Asia send greetings. Aquila, Priscilla, and the church that meets in their house say hello. |
| 16:20 | All the friends here say hello. Pass the greetings around with holy embraces! |
| 16:21 | And I, Paul--in my own handwriting!--send you my regards. |
| 16:22 | If anyone won't love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master! |
| 16:23 | Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you. |
| 16:24 | And I love all of you in the Messiah, in Jesus. |
1 Corinthians 16 - The Message Bible
