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Passing the Hat

¹ Now, let's talk straight about taking up a collection for God's people in Jerusalem. I'm going to tell y'all the same as I told the church in Galatia. ² On the first day of every week, put some money in a jar and keep it safe. Save up as much as you possibly can from what you've been blessed with. Then, when I come see you, everything will be ready and you won't have to scramble around and dig through you saddle bags for crumbs. ³ When I get there, I will send some cowboys to deliver the money to the Jerusalem church. I'll send the ones you suggested with a letter of introduction. ⁴ If God wills it, I will even accompany them there.

Paul's Plan

⁵ I'm thinking about going through Macedonia and then on to y'all. ⁶ I hope to stay with y'all for a while, maybe all winter. Then y'all can help me on my trip, wherever God decides to send me. ⁷ I wish I could come now, but then I wouldn't be able to stay long as I've got other things to do. I want to get them out of the way so I can stay with y'all longer if God says it's okay. ⁸ I'm probably going to hang out here in Ephesus until Pentecost. ⁹ We've got something real good started here, but there are a lot of enemies I must deal with before I leave.

¹⁰ Timothy might be stopping by soon. Make him feel at home because he's working for God as hard as I am. ¹¹ Don't let me hear of anyone turning him away or shunning him in any way. Help him out with anything he needs so he may return to me in peace and safety. Don't delay in this. I'm waiting on him and the others who are riding with him.

¹² Let me tell you about a cowboy named Apollos, I told him and those riding with him to come see y'all. I don't think he's coming any time soon, but he said he would come later when he had the opportunity.

Final Words

¹³ Stay alert and keep both feet deep in the stirrups. Tie hard and fast to your faith. Be courageous and be strong. ¹⁴ Do nothing without love.

¹⁵ I hope you have heard of Stephanus and his family. They were among the first cowboys to ride for the Lord in Greece. They have devoted their lives in service of God's people. I urge y'all ¹⁶ to follow their example and their leadership. Such devoted cowboys and cowgirls are rare.

¹⁷ It is of my good fortune that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus are here. I wish y'all were too, but they have helped fill the gap. ¹⁸ They've done nothing except offer me encouragement and they do the same for y'all. If y'all don't see the value in cowboys such as these, then y'all are blind.

¹⁹ All the churches in the province of Asia said to tell y'all hello. Aquila and Priscilla, and all the others who meet in their homes for church, also send their greetings. ²⁰ Everyone here says hello and offer a hearty handshake. Be sure and greet each other with sacred affection.

²¹ Here's my hello in my own handwriting—Paul.

²² If anyone chooses to shun God's love, then let that person be forever separated from him. Let them be lost forever.

Get ready! The Boss is coming soon!

²³ May God's grace—Jesus Christ—lead, guide, and love you.

²⁴ My love also rides with you in Christ Jesus.