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1Now, in respect to the taking of offerings to help Creator’s holy people who live in Village of Peace (Jerusalem) : I am giving you the same instructions that I gave to the sacred families who gather in the territory of Land of Pale Skins (Galatia) .
2When you gather on the first day of the week, take from as much as you have been blessed with and set it aside. Keep it in a safe place until I come. In this way no offerings will need to be taken when I come.
3Then, when I arrive, I will send your trusted messengers, along with letters of approval, to Village of Peace (Jerusalem) .
4If you think it wise for me to travel with them, we will walk the road together.
5But on my way to you I must first pass through Land of Tall People (Macedonia) . After that I will come to you
6and perhaps stay for a while, or even for the winter. Then when I leave, you can sing a traveling song over me as I continue my journey to wherever I may go.
7I am trusting that it is Creator’s plan for me to stay with you for a season, instead of just passing through.
8But for now I will be staying at Village of Desire (Ephesus) until the Festival of Weeks,
9for a wide path filled with new possibilities has opened before me, even though there are many trying to block the way.
10If He Gives Honor (Timothy) comes to you, calm his fears about being with you, for he is working at doing what the Great Spirit wants, just as I am.
11So make sure no one looks down on him. Then send him on his way in peace, for I am waiting for him to come to me along with other brothers in the sacred family .
12Now about our spiritual brother He Tears Down (Apollos) : more than once I have encouraged him and others to come and stay awhile with you, but for him it was not a good time to come. He will come to you when the time is right.
13Keep your eyes wide open. Stand firm in the faith. Be brave and strong.
14Let love be the reason behind all that you do.
15Do not forget about Headdress of Many Feathers (Stephanas) and all who live in his house. They were the first to follow the way of the Chosen One in Land of Sorrow (Achaia) . They set their hearts to serving Creator’s holy people. I beg of you, my sacred family,
16to follow their guidance and to walk in the footsteps of all who serve in this manner.
17It made my heart glad when Headdress of Many Feathers (Stephanas) and Lucky Man (Fortunatus) and Man of Sorrows (Achaicus) came to me. They have been walking in your footsteps by helping me while you have been away.
18My spirit has been renewed by them in the same way they have renewed yours. You should make sure men like these are given the honor they deserve.
19The sacred families who gather in Land of the Rising Sun (Asia) send their greetings to you. Strong Eagle (Aquila) and Lives Long (Priscilla) and the sacred family that meets for ceremony in their home also send warm greetings to you in our Honored Chief.[#16:19 Lit. Prisca , which was probably a nickname for Priscilla. See Acts 18:1-3.]
20All the sacred family members send their greetings to you. Welcome each other with a holy kiss.
21I, Small Man (Paul) write this final greeting with my own hand.
22Let all who fail to love our Honored Chief be cut off from the Chosen One! Come, O Honored Chief, Come! (Maranatha!)[#16:22 Lit. anathema , a word meaning “cursed”; #16:22 See Romans 9:3.; #16:22 An Aramaic word that was used in the early church as a prayer for the return of the Chosen One]
23May the gift of great kindness that comes through Creator Sets Free (Jesus) remain with you.
24May the deep love I have for all of you in the Chosen One, Creator Sets Free (Jesus) , find its way into your hearts.