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The Collection for the Saints

¹ Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:² On 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.³ Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.⁴ And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

(Romans 15:23-33)

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

Timothy Commended

¹⁰ If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.¹¹ No 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.¹² Now 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

¹³ Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.¹⁴ Do everything in love.¹⁵ You 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,¹⁶ to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.¹⁷ I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.¹⁸ For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.

Final Greetings

(2 Thessalonians 3:16-18)

¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca^(a) greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.²⁰ All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.²¹ This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.²² If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a divine curse. Come, O Lord^(a)!²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.²⁴ My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen^(a).