Organising the Collection

1. Now, regarding the money we are collecting for God's people in Jerusalem: I want you to follow the exact same instructions I gave to the churches in Galatia.
2. On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of your income and save it up. This way, you won't be scrambling to take up a collection at the last minute when I finally arrive.
3. When I get there, I will give letters of introduction to the people you have chosen to represent you, and I’ll send them to safely deliver your financial gift to Jerusalem.
4. If it makes sense for me to go along as well, they can travel with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

1. I am planning to visit you after I've travelled through Macedonia, because that's my planned route.
2. I'm hoping to stay with you for a while, maybe even for the whole winter. Then, you can help send me on my way to my next destination, wherever that happens to be.
3. I don't want to just quickly pass through and barely see you this time. If the Lord allows it, I genuinely want to spend some proper time with you.
4. However, I'm going to stay right here in Ephesus until the festival of Pentecost.
5. A massive door of opportunity has opened for me to do some effective work here, even though there are plenty of people strongly opposing me.

Looking After the Team

1. When Timothy arrives, make sure you make him feel completely at home and entirely without fear. He is doing the Lord's work, exactly like I am.
2. No one should look down on him or treat him with disrespect. Send him on his way in peace so he can get back to me, because I’m expecting him to return along with the other brothers.
3. As for our brother Apollos, I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. He was certain that now wasn't the right time for him to go, but he will visit when the opportunity arises.

Final Instructions and Encouragement

1. Keep your eyes open and stay alert. Stand incredibly firm in your faith. Be courageous and be strong.
2. Let absolutely everything you do be motivated and completely driven by love.
3. You know that the family of Stephanas were the very first people to become Christians in your region, and they have completely dedicated their lives to serving God’s people. My brothers and sisters, I strongly urge you
4. to respect and submit to leaders like them, and to everyone else who works so hard alongside them in the ministry.
5. I was absolutely thrilled when Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus showed up. They made up for the fact that you couldn't be here with me.
6. They completely refreshed my spirit, and I know they've refreshed yours in the past too. Make sure you give people like this the recognition and appreciation they deserve. 

Closing Greetings

1. The churches over here in the province of Asia send you their best. Aquila and Priscilla, along with the church that meets in their home, send you their warmest Christian greetings.
2. All the brothers and sisters here send their love. Greet each other warmly and affectionately as God's family.
3. I, Paul, am writing this final greeting with my own hand.
4. If anyone does not love the Lord, let them be under God's curse! Maranatha - Come, Lord!
5. May the incredible grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all.
6. I send my love to every single one of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.