Giving for the Family in Need
Practical closing: set money aside weekly for the Jerusalem collection so nothing is rushed when Paul arrives. He plans a long stay after Macedonia, commends Timothy and the household of Stephanas, and sums the letter up — be strong, and let everything be done in love.
16 1About the collection for the saints: do as I instructed the Galatian churches. 2On the first day of each week, each of you should set something aside, storing up as you have prospered, so no collections happen when I come. 3When I come, I'll send with letters those you approve, to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4And if it is fitting for me to go as well, they will go with me.
Paul's Plans to Visit
5I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia, 6but perhaps I'll stay with you, even spend the winter, so you can send me on my way, wherever I go. 7I don't want just a passing visit now; I hope to stay with you a while, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10When Timothy comes, make sure he has no fear among you—he's doing the Lord's work, as I am. 11No one, then, should despise him. Send him off in peace to come to me, for I'm expecting him with the brothers.
12About our brother Apollos: I urged him strongly to come to you with the brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now—he'll come when he has opportunity.
13Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. 14Let all that you do be done in love.
15Now I urge you, brothers—you know Stephanas's household were Achaia's firstfruits and devoted themselves to serving the saints, 16submit to such people, and to everyone who joins in the work and labors. 17I rejoice that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come, because they made up for your absence, 18for they refreshed my spirit and yours. Give recognition to such people.
Greetings From the Family
19Asia's churches greet you. Aquila and Prisca, with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord. 20All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22If anyone has no love for the Lord, let them be under a curse. Our Lord, come! a a v22 Maranatha is the earliest Aramaic prayer of the church — "Our Lord, come!" — a longing cry for Jesus to return. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
