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The Collection of Gifts

¹ Now concerning ^(C1)the collection for ^(C2)the saints, as ^(C3)I directed the churches of ^(C4)Galatia, so do you also.² On ^(C1)the first day of every week each one of you is to ^(F1)set something aside, saving whatever he has prospered, so that ^(C2)no collections be made when I come.³ And when I arrive, ^(C1)whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem,⁴ and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.

⁵ But I ^(C1)will come to you after I go through ^(C2)Macedonia, for I ^(C3)am going through Macedonia;⁶ and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may ^(C1)send me on my way wherever I may go.⁷ For I do not wish to see you now ^(C1)just in passing, for I hope to remain with you for some time, ^(C2)if the Lord permits.⁸ But I will remain in ^(C1)Ephesus until ^(C2)Pentecost,⁹ for a ^(C1)wide and effective door has opened to me, and ^(C2)there are many adversaries.

¹⁰ Now if ^(C1)Timothy comes, take care that he is with you without fear, for he is doing ^(C2)the Lord's work, as I also am.^11 (C1)So let no one despise him. But ^(C2)send him on his way ^(C3)in peace, so that he may come to me, for I expect him with the brothers.

¹² Now concerning ^(C1)Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brothers, and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.

Final Instructions and Greetings

^13 (C1)Be watchful, ^(C2)stand firm in the faith, ^(C3)act like men, ^(C4)be strong.¹⁴ Let all that you do be done ^(C1)in love.

¹⁵ Now I exhort you, brothers (you know the ^(C1)household of Stephanas, that ^(F1)they were the ^(C2)first fruits of ^(C3)Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ^(C4)service to ^(C5)the saints),¹⁶ that ^(C1)you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.¹⁷ And I rejoice over the ^(F1)(C1)coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have ^(F2)supplied ^(C2)what was lacking on your part.¹⁸ For they ^(C1)have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore ^(C2)recognize such men.

¹⁹ The churches of ^(C1)Asia greet you. ^(C2)Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with ^(C3)the church that is in their house.²⁰ All the brothers greet you. ^(C1)Greet one another with a holy kiss.

²¹ The greeting is in ^(C1)my own hand—^(F1)Paul.²² If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be ^(F1)(C1)accursed. ^(F2)(C2)Maranatha.^23 (C1)The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.