1Now about “collecting money for fellow-believers.” I'm giving you the same instructions for you to follow as I did to the churches in Galatia.

2On the first day of the week everybody should set aside some money you've earned. I don't want there to be any collections to have to be made when I'm with you.

3When I get there I will write recommendation letters for whoever you choose, and they will take your donation to Jerusalem.

4If it works out for me to go too, they can come with me.

5After I've been to Macedonia, I plan to come and visit you. I pass that way through Macedonia

6and I may stay with you for a while, perhaps spend the winter, and then you can send me on my way to wherever I'm headed.

7This time I don't want to come and see you for just a short time. I hope I can stay for a while with you, if that's what the Lord permits.

8However, I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,

9because a tremendous door of opportunity has opened up for me there, though there are plenty who oppose me.

10Now if Timothy arrives, make sure that he has nothing to fear by being with you, for he's working for the Lord just as I am.

11Don't let anyone look down on him. Cheerfully send him on his way so he can come and see me—the brothers and sisters and I are waiting for him.

12As for our brother Apollos: I urged him to go and see you together with the other believers, but he wasn't willing to go at the moment. He'll come and visit when he gets the chance.

13Stay alert. Stand firm in your trust in God. Take courage. Be strong.

14Whatever you do, do it in love.

15You know that Stephanas and his family were among the first converts in Achaia, and they dedicated themselves to helping God's people. I'm pleading with you, my brothers and sisters,

16to respect their leadership, and everyone who helps the work with such dedication.

17I'm delighted that Stephanas, Fortunatas, and Achaicus have arrived here, for they did what you weren't able to.

18They have been a great source of encouragement to me, and to you. People like that deserve your recognition.

19The churches of Asia ⁷⁵send their greetings. Aquila and Priscilla, along with the church that meets in their home, send their best wishes.

20All the brothers and sisters here send their greetings. Greet one another affectionately.

21I Paul write this greeting with my own hand.

22Anyone who doesn't love the Lord should be excluded from the church. ⁷⁶Come Lord!

23May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.