7. This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me.
8. In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost.
9. There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.
10. When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.
11. Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.
12. Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.
13. Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
14. And do everything with love.
15. You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters,
16. to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.