[15:45] So also it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living soul."[*] The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. [15:46] However that which is spiritual isn't first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual. [15:47] The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven. [15:48] As is the one made of dust, such are those who are also made of dust; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [15:49] As we have borne the image of those made of dust, [let's] also bear the image of the heavenly. [15:50] Now I say this, [brothers,] that flesh and blood can't inherit the Kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.
[15:51] Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, [15:52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. [15:53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [15:54] But when this corruptible will have put on incorruption, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen:
"Death is swallowed up in victory."[*] [15:55] "Death, where is your sting? [Hades], where is your victory?"[*]
[15:56] The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. [15:57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [15:58] Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
[16:1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. [16:2] On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. [16:3] When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. [16:4] If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me. [16:5] But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. [16:6] But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go. [16:7] For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. [16:8] But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, [16:9] for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. [16:10] Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. [16:11] Therefore 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.
[16:12] Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.
[16:13] Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! [16:14] Let all that you do be done in love.
[16:15] Now 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), [16:16] that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. [16:17] I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. [16:18] For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
[16:19] The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house. [16:20] All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
[16:21] This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. [16:22] If any man doesn't love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be [accursed]. [Come, Lord!] [16:23] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. [16:24] My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.