I Corinthians 16: A Chapter of Practicalities, Plans, and Profound Love
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Let all your things be done with charity.
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timotheus.
I Corinthians 16 serves as the concluding chapter of Paul's extensive letter to the church in Corinth, wrapping up his discourse with a blend of practical instructions, personal travel plans, and heartfelt expressions of love. This chapter provides valuable insights into the early church's practices, Paul's ministry strategy, and the importance of love in Christian community. Throughout this chapter, we see Paul the apostle functioning as a pastor, a leader, and a brother in Christ.
A Collection for the Saints (I Corinthians 16:1-4)
Paul begins by addressing a practical matter: the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. This wasn't just a charitable act; it was a tangible expression of unity between Gentile and Jewish believers. The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were facing persecution and poverty, and Paul was diligently raising funds from the Gentile churches he had founded to support them. This collection was a demonstration of the Gentile believers' gratitude for the spiritual blessings they had received through the Jewish believers (Romans 15:27).
Paul provides specific instructions for how the Corinthians should prepare their offering. He instructs them to set aside money "on the first day of every week" (I Corinthians 16:2), which is Sunday, as part of their weekly worship gathering. This demonstrates that giving was to be a regular and planned part of their worship, not an afterthought. The amount they set aside should be "in proportion to how he has prospered" (I Corinthians 16:2). This principle of proportional giving remains relevant today, encouraging believers to give generously according to their means. Paul's desire was that they would have their donations ready when he arrived, avoiding any last-minute scramble or embarrassment.
For the sake of transparency and integrity, Paul made it clear that he wouldn't personally handle the funds. Instead, he instructed the church to appoint trustworthy individuals to carry the gift to Jerusalem, suggesting they could even travel with him if deemed appropriate (I Corinthians 16:3-4). This highlights Paul's commitment to ethical leadership and his concern for maintaining a good reputation in all things.
Paul's Travel Plans (I Corinthians 16:5-9)
Next, Paul outlines his travel plans, revealing his intention to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia. He hoped to spend the winter with them, provided the Lord allowed (I Corinthians 16:5-7), as sea travel would be hazardous during that season. This demonstrates Paul's understanding of the importance of fellowship and his desire to be with the Corinthian believers.
However, Paul explains that he will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost (I Corinthians 16:8) because "a wide door for effective ministry has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me" (I Corinthians 16:9). This reveals Paul's strategic approach to ministry. He recognized the open door as an opportunity from God, despite the opposition he faced. This teaches us to be discerning, recognizing God's leading and being willing to persevere even in the face of adversity. Knowing that God had provided a significant opening for the gospel, Paul was willing to trust him and be faithful no matter the opposition he faced from unbelievers.
Timothy and Apollos (I Corinthians 16:10-12)
Paul then addresses the upcoming visits of Timothy and Apollos. He urges the Corinthians to receive Timothy well, ensuring he is treated with respect and sent back to Paul in peace (I Corinthians 16:10-11). This underscores the importance of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ. Timothy shared Paul's love and concerns, and Paul expected the Corinthians to treat him accordingly.
Regarding Apollos, Paul mentions that he strongly urged him to visit Corinth, but Apollos was not inclined to do so at that time (I Corinthians 16:12). The reason for Apollos' reluctance is not explicitly stated, but it's possible he wanted to avoid contributing to the existing divisions within the Corinthian church, or perhaps he, too, wanted to take advantage of the open door to ministry in Ephesus. This demonstrates the autonomy of individual ministers and the importance of respecting their decisions.
Exhortations to Stand Firm (I Corinthians 16:13-14)
As he nears the end of his letter, Paul issues a series of concise exhortations: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong" (I Corinthians 16:13). These commands are particularly relevant given the challenges the Corinthian church was facing, including false teaching and internal divisions. Paul urges them to resist these threats with vigilance and unwavering commitment to the truth. He invokes military terms to indicate the intensity with which they should resist false teaching.
However, Paul doesn't stop there. He adds a crucial qualifier: "Do everything in love" (I Corinthians 16:14). This reminds the Corinthians (and us) that even in defending the truth, love must be the guiding principle. Without love, even the most righteous actions can become destructive and counterproductive. Paul wants to move them to a love-centered mentality, especially since the church was beset with self-centeredness, arrogance, and division.
Commendation and Greetings (I Corinthians 16:15-24)
Paul commends the household of Stephanas, recognizing them as the "first converts in Achaia" (I Corinthians 16:15) and devoted servant-leaders. He urges the Corinthians to "submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it" (I Corinthians 16:16). This highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring those who serve faithfully within the church. Stephanas and others had personally ministered to Paul on the Corinthians’ behalf, and Paul praises them for their devoted service to the saints.
Paul sends greetings from the churches in "Asia" (which included Ephesus), as well as from Aquila and Prisca, former members of the Corinthian church (I Corinthians 16:19). These personal greetings emphasize the interconnectedness of the Christian community and the importance of fellowship.
The apostle then adds a greeting in [his] own hand (I Corinthians 16:21). Paul probably dictated the letter to a secretary and then added a personal greeting, as was his custom (see 2 Thessalonians 3:17).
Paul concludes with a powerful statement: "If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him!" (I Corinthians 16:22). This is a strong warning against hypocrisy and a reminder that genuine faith is characterized by love for God. Lack of affection for God’s people is proof of a lack of affection for God, which results in being outside of his divine covering (see 1 John 4:11, 20-21). He then adds an Aramaic phrase, "Maranatha!" meaning "Our Lord, come!" This expresses the early church's fervent hope for Christ's return.
Paul ends his letter with a prayer for God's grace to be with them all and a personal expression of his love: "My love to all of you in Christ Jesus" (I Corinthians 16:23-24). This final expression of love encapsulates the spirit of Paul's entire letter, reminding the Corinthians that even in the midst of correction and instruction, his ultimate motivation was love for them in Christ.
I Corinthians 16 serves as a fitting conclusion to Paul's letter, reminding us of the importance of practical action, strategic ministry, and, above all, love in the Christian life. It is a call to be faithful, generous, and united in our service to God and one another.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Let all your things be done with charity.
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timotheus.
I Corinthians 16 serves as the concluding chapter of Paul's extensive letter to the church in Corinth, wrapping up his discourse with a blend of practical instructions, personal travel plans, and heartfelt expressions of love. This chapter provides valuable insights into the early church's practices, Paul's ministry strategy, and the importance of love in Christian community. Throughout this chapter, we see Paul the apostle functioning as a pastor, a leader, and a brother in Christ.
A Collection for the Saints (I Corinthians 16:1-4)
Paul begins by addressing a practical matter: the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. This wasn't just a charitable act; it was a tangible expression of unity between Gentile and Jewish believers. The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were facing persecution and poverty, and Paul was diligently raising funds from the Gentile churches he had founded to support them. This collection was a demonstration of the Gentile believers' gratitude for the spiritual blessings they had received through the Jewish believers (Romans 15:27).
Paul provides specific instructions for how the Corinthians should prepare their offering. He instructs them to set aside money "on the first day of every week" (I Corinthians 16:2), which is Sunday, as part of their weekly worship gathering. This demonstrates that giving was to be a regular and planned part of their worship, not an afterthought. The amount they set aside should be "in proportion to how he has prospered" (I Corinthians 16:2). This principle of proportional giving remains relevant today, encouraging believers to give generously according to their means. Paul's desire was that they would have their donations ready when he arrived, avoiding any last-minute scramble or embarrassment.
For the sake of transparency and integrity, Paul made it clear that he wouldn't personally handle the funds. Instead, he instructed the church to appoint trustworthy individuals to carry the gift to Jerusalem, suggesting they could even travel with him if deemed appropriate (I Corinthians 16:3-4). This highlights Paul's commitment to ethical leadership and his concern for maintaining a good reputation in all things.
Paul's Travel Plans (I Corinthians 16:5-9)
Next, Paul outlines his travel plans, revealing his intention to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia. He hoped to spend the winter with them, provided the Lord allowed (I Corinthians 16:5-7), as sea travel would be hazardous during that season. This demonstrates Paul's understanding of the importance of fellowship and his desire to be with the Corinthian believers.
However, Paul explains that he will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost (I Corinthians 16:8) because "a wide door for effective ministry has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me" (I Corinthians 16:9). This reveals Paul's strategic approach to ministry. He recognized the open door as an opportunity from God, despite the opposition he faced. This teaches us to be discerning, recognizing God's leading and being willing to persevere even in the face of adversity. Knowing that God had provided a significant opening for the gospel, Paul was willing to trust him and be faithful no matter the opposition he faced from unbelievers.
Timothy and Apollos (I Corinthians 16:10-12)
Paul then addresses the upcoming visits of Timothy and Apollos. He urges the Corinthians to receive Timothy well, ensuring he is treated with respect and sent back to Paul in peace (I Corinthians 16:10-11). This underscores the importance of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ. Timothy shared Paul's love and concerns, and Paul expected the Corinthians to treat him accordingly.
Regarding Apollos, Paul mentions that he strongly urged him to visit Corinth, but Apollos was not inclined to do so at that time (I Corinthians 16:12). The reason for Apollos' reluctance is not explicitly stated, but it's possible he wanted to avoid contributing to the existing divisions within the Corinthian church, or perhaps he, too, wanted to take advantage of the open door to ministry in Ephesus. This demonstrates the autonomy of individual ministers and the importance of respecting their decisions.
Exhortations to Stand Firm (I Corinthians 16:13-14)
As he nears the end of his letter, Paul issues a series of concise exhortations: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong" (I Corinthians 16:13). These commands are particularly relevant given the challenges the Corinthian church was facing, including false teaching and internal divisions. Paul urges them to resist these threats with vigilance and unwavering commitment to the truth. He invokes military terms to indicate the intensity with which they should resist false teaching.
However, Paul doesn't stop there. He adds a crucial qualifier: "Do everything in love" (I Corinthians 16:14). This reminds the Corinthians (and us) that even in defending the truth, love must be the guiding principle. Without love, even the most righteous actions can become destructive and counterproductive. Paul wants to move them to a love-centered mentality, especially since the church was beset with self-centeredness, arrogance, and division.
Commendation and Greetings (I Corinthians 16:15-24)
Paul commends the household of Stephanas, recognizing them as the "first converts in Achaia" (I Corinthians 16:15) and devoted servant-leaders. He urges the Corinthians to "submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it" (I Corinthians 16:16). This highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring those who serve faithfully within the church. Stephanas and others had personally ministered to Paul on the Corinthians’ behalf, and Paul praises them for their devoted service to the saints.
Paul sends greetings from the churches in "Asia" (which included Ephesus), as well as from Aquila and Prisca, former members of the Corinthian church (I Corinthians 16:19). These personal greetings emphasize the interconnectedness of the Christian community and the importance of fellowship.
The apostle then adds a greeting in [his] own hand (I Corinthians 16:21). Paul probably dictated the letter to a secretary and then added a personal greeting, as was his custom (see 2 Thessalonians 3:17).
Paul concludes with a powerful statement: "If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him!" (I Corinthians 16:22). This is a strong warning against hypocrisy and a reminder that genuine faith is characterized by love for God. Lack of affection for God’s people is proof of a lack of affection for God, which results in being outside of his divine covering (see 1 John 4:11, 20-21). He then adds an Aramaic phrase, "Maranatha!" meaning "Our Lord, come!" This expresses the early church's fervent hope for Christ's return.
Paul ends his letter with a prayer for God's grace to be with them all and a personal expression of his love: "My love to all of you in Christ Jesus" (I Corinthians 16:23-24). This final expression of love encapsulates the spirit of Paul's entire letter, reminding the Corinthians that even in the midst of correction and instruction, his ultimate motivation was love for them in Christ.
I Corinthians 16 serves as a fitting conclusion to Paul's letter, reminding us of the importance of practical action, strategic ministry, and, above all, love in the Christian life. It is a call to be faithful, generous, and united in our service to God and one another.