Achish Sends David Back to Ziklag

29 The Philistines gathered^(A) all their forces at Aphek,^(B) and Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel.^{(C) 2} As the Philistine rulers marched with their units of hundreds and thousands, David and his men were marching at the rear^(D) with Achish. ³ The commanders of the Philistines asked, “What about these Hebrews?”

Achish replied, “Is this not David,^(E) who was an officer of Saul king of Israel? He has already been with me for over a year,^(F) and from the day he left Saul until now, I have found no fault in him.”

⁴ But the Philistine commanders were angry with Achish and said, “Send^(G) the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn^(H) against us during the fighting. How better could he regain his master’s favor than by taking the heads of our own men? ⁵ Isn’t this the David they sang about in their dances:

⁶ So Achish called David and said to him, “As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day^(J) you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers^(K) don’t approve of you. ⁷ Now turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers.”

⁸ “But what have I done?” asked David. “What have you found against your servant from the day I came to you until now? Why can’t I go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

⁹ Achish answered, “I know that you have been as pleasing in my eyes as an angel^(L) of God; nevertheless, the Philistine commanders^(M) have said, ‘He must not go up with us into battle.’ ¹⁰ Now get up early, along with your master’s servants who have come with you, and leave^(N) in the morning as soon as it is light.”

¹¹ So David and his men got up early in the morning to go back to the land of the Philistines, and the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

The Collection for the Lord’s People

16 Now about the collection^(A) for the Lord’s people:^(B) Do what I told the Galatian^(C) churches to do. ² On the first day of every week,^(D) 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.^{(E) 3} Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve^(F) and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Personal Requests

⁵ After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you^(G)—for I will be going through Macedonia.^{(H) 6} Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey,^(I) 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.^{(J) 8} But I will stay on at Ephesus^(K) until Pentecost,^{(L) 9} because a great door for effective work has opened to me,^(M) and there are many who oppose me.

¹⁰ When Timothy^(N) 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,^(O) just as I am. ¹¹ No one, then, should treat him with contempt.^(P) Send him on his way^(Q) in peace^(R) so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

¹² Now about our brother Apollos:^(S) 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.

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm^(T) in the faith; be courageous; be strong.^{(U) 14} Do everything in love.^(V)

¹⁵ You know that the household of Stephanas^(W) were the first converts^(X) in Achaia,^(Y) and they have devoted themselves to the service^(Z) of the Lord’s people.^(AA) I urge you, brothers and sisters, ¹⁶ to submit^(AB) to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. ¹⁷ I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.^{(AC) 18} For they refreshed^(AD) my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.^(AE)

Final Greetings

¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia^(AF) send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla^[a](AG) greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.^{(AH) 20} All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.^(AI)

²¹ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.^(AJ)

²² If anyone does not love the Lord,^(AK) let that person be cursed!^(AL) Come, Lord^[b]!^(AM)

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.^(AN)

²⁴ My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.^[c]