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1.
Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.
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2.
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
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3.
Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
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4.
If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
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5.
After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you--for I will be going through Macedonia.
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6.
Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
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7.
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.
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8.
But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,
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9.
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
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10.
If 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.
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11.
No one, then, should refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.
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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.
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13.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
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14.
Do everything in love.
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15.
You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers,
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16.
to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.
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17.
I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
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18.
For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
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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.
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20.
All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
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21.
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
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22.
If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!
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23.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
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24.
My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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