[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.
