1Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. 2On the first day of every week, let each one of you save as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come. 3When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. 4If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
5I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. 6But with you it may be that I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go. 7For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
12Now concerning Apollos the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.
13Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! 14Let all that you do be done in love.
15Now I beg you, brothers—you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints— 16that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. 18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
19The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house. 20All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. 22If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord! 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Timothy was born to a pagan Greek father and Jewish Christian mother, Eunice (Acts 16:1). His mother, along with his grandmother Lois, taught him about faith in God and the Scriptures (2 Tim 1:5). Timothy proved to be very helpful to Paul, whom Paul calls "my own son." Timothy joined Paul and Silas on Paul's second missionary journey. The Apostle's "son" Timothy joined Paul and Silas on Paul's second missionary journey. The Apostle sent Timothy to the Philippians to inquire about how they were doing (Phil 2:19-23). Paul also sent Timothy as a representative to Macedonia (Acts 19:22), Corinth (1 Cor 4:17), Thessalonica (1 Thes 3:2), and Ephesus (1 Tim 1:3). In the letters that Paul sent to Timothy it appears that Timothy was timid and fearful, perhaps because of his young age (1 Tim 4:12), but Paul calls him to be bold in standing for the truth. Knowing he was coming to the end of his life, Paul’s second letter is intensely personal and his love for his “son” in the faith comes through in vivid detail. He exhorts Timothy to stand firm, tells Timothy how he has been all but abandoned, and asks him to bring personal items before winter. (2 Tim. 4:13)