1: Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia.
2: Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you'll have it ready, and I won't have to make a special appeal.
3: Then after I arrive, I'll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift.
4: If you think it best that I go along, I'll be glad to travel with them.
5: I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won't be staying long there,
6: but maybe I can stay awhile with you--maybe even spend the winter? Then you could give me a good send-off, wherever I may be headed next.
7: I don't want to just drop by in between other "primary" destinations. I want a good, long, leisurely visit. If the Master agrees, we'll have it!
8: For the present, I'm staying right here in Ephesus.
9: A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
10: If Timothy shows up, take good care of him. Make him feel completely at home among you. He works so hard for the Master, just as I do.
11: Don't let anyone disparage him. After a while, send him on to me with your blessing. Tell him I'm expecting him, and any friends he has with him.
12: About our friend Apollos, I've done my best to get him to pay you a visit, but haven't talked him into it yet. He doesn't think this is the right time. But there will be a "right time."
13: Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute,
14: and love without stopping.
15: Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they've put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to
16: honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to.
17: I want you to know how delighted I am to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus here with me. They partially make up for your absence!
18: They've refreshed me by keeping me in touch with you. Be proud that you have people like this among you.
19: The churches here in western Asia send greetings. Aquila, Priscilla, and the church that meets in their house say hello.
20: All the friends here say hello. Pass the greetings around with holy embraces!
21: And I, Paul--in my own handwriting!-send you my regards.
22: If anyone won't love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!
23: Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you.
24: And I love all of you in the Messiah, in Jesus.