“A Little Goes a Long Way”
I Corinthians 16:1-24, {1} Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. {2} On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. {3} Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. {4} If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me. {5} After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. {6} Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, 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 and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. {8} But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, {9} because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. {10} When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. {11} No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. 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 quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. {13} Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. {14} Do everything in love. {15} You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, {16} to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. {17} I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. {18} For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. {19} The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. {20} All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. {21} I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. {22} If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord! {23} The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. {24} My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.