The Collection for Jerusalem
Study note
Paul gives instructions for the collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, the same practice he has established in the Galatian churches. Each person should set aside money on the first day of every week, proportional to how God has blessed them, so that no collection needs to be taken when Paul arrives. He will send approved representatives with letters to carry the gift, and may accompany them himself if the situation warrants it.
1 Now about the money you are collecting for God's people: follow the same plan I gave to the churches in Galatia. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Every Sunday, each of you should set aside some money based on how much God has blessed you. Save it up so you will not need to scramble to collect money when I arrive. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3 When I get there, I will send the people you pick to carry your gift to Jerusalem. They will have letters from me. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
4 If it makes sense for me to go personally, they can travel with me. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
Paul's Travel Plans
Study note
Paul shares his itinerary: he plans to pass through Macedonia and may stay with the Corinthians for a while, perhaps even through the winter, so they can assist him on his next journey. He does not want merely a brief visit. Currently he intends to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost because a great and effective door for ministry has opened, though many oppose him. His plans are held loosely, dependent on the Lord's will.
5 I plan to visit you after I pass through Macedonia. I will be going through that area. Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
6 I might stay with you for a while -- maybe even the whole winter -- so you can help me get ready for wherever I go next. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
7 I do not want to drop in for a quick hello. I am hoping to spend some real time with you, if the Lord makes it possible. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
8 But for now, I am staying in Ephesus until Pentecost, But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 A great door has opened up for me to do important work here. But there are also plenty of people working against me. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Commendations and Instructions
Study note
Paul commends Timothy, asking the Corinthians to put him at ease and not look down on him since he is doing the Lord's work. He mentions that he urged Apollos to visit them, though Apollos was not willing at the present time. Paul then exhorts the church with five rapid commands: be watchful, stand firm, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love. He commends the household of Stephanas as the first converts in Achaia who have devoted themselves to serving God's people, and expresses his joy at the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who have refreshed his spirit.
10 If Timothy shows up, make sure he feels safe and welcome with you. He is doing the Lord's work, just like I am. Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Nobody should treat him like he is not important. Help him on his way so he can get back to me safely. I am expecting him along with the other brothers. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
12 About our brother Apollos: I truly pushed him to visit you with the other brothers. He was not ready to come right now, but he will come when the time is right. As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
13 Keep your eyes open. Stand firm in your faith. Be brave and be strong. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done in love. Let all your things be done with charity.
15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first people in Achaia to follow Christ. They have given themselves fully to serving God's people. I want to ask you, friends, I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
16 to follow the lead of people like them, and anyone else who works hard and partners in this effort. That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
17 I was thrilled when Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus arrived. They brought what I had been missing from you. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
18 They lifted my spirits, and they lifted yours too. Make sure people like them know how much you value them. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
Final Greetings and Benediction
Study note
Paul conveys greetings from the churches in Asia, including warm personal greetings from Aquila and Priscilla and the church that meets in their home. He instructs them to greet one another with a holy kiss and writes the final greeting in his own hand, a practice that authenticated his letters. He includes the solemn warning that anyone who does not love the Lord should be cursed, followed by the Aramaic prayer Maranatha, meaning Come, O Lord. He closes with grace and a declaration of his love for all of them in Christ Jesus.
19 The churches here in the province of Asia send their greetings. Aquila and Priscilla send you their warmest greetings in the Lord, along with all the believers who meet in their house. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brothers and sisters here send their greetings. Welcome each other warmly with a holy kiss. All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
21 Here is my personal greeting, written in my own handwriting -- Paul. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let them be cut off. Come, Lord! If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.
23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 I send my love to every one of you in Christ Jesus. Amen. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.