1. NOW CONCERNING the money contributed for [the relief of] the saints (God's people): you are to do the same as I directed the churches of Galatia to do.
2. On the first [day] of each week, let each one of you [personally] put aside something and save it up as he has prospered [in proportion to what he is given], so that no collections will need to be taken after I come.
3. And when I arrive, I will send on those whom you approve and authorize with credentials to carry your gift [of charity] to Jerusalem.
4. If it seems worthwhile that I should go too, they will accompany me.
5. After passing through Macedonia, I will visit you, for I intend [only] to pass through Macedonia;
6. But it may be that I will stay with you [for a while], perhaps even spend the winter, so that you may bring me forward [on my journey] to wherever I may go.
7. For I am unwilling to see you right now [just] in passing, but I hope later to remain for some time with you, if the Lord permits.
8. I will remain in Ephesus [however] until Pentecost,