1 Corinthians 16
CHAPTER 16
Paul’s plans for Corinth
Now concerning the collection for the saints, do as I instructed the churches in Galatia. 2 Upon the first day of the week let each one of you, as your income allows, put some money aside and store it up so that no collections are needed when I come. 3 And when I arrive, whomsoever you shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your generosity to Jerusalem. 4 And if it be fitting for me to go also, they shall go with me.
5 But I will come to you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia (for I plan to pass through Macedonia). 6 And perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go further. 7 But I do not wish to see you just in passing; I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permit. 8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a great door for effective work has opened to me, but there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear while he is with you. For he does the work of the Lord, as I do. 11 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. 12 But as touching Apollos the brother, I pleaded with him to come to you with the brothers; but he was unwilling to come right now, but he will come when he shall have the opportunity.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all you do be done in love.
15 You know the family of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia and that they have devoted themselves to serving the saints; now I beseech you, brothers, 16 you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone that helps in the work and labours. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. For what was lacking on your part they supplied; 18 they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, acknowledge those that are such.
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The greeting of me Paul with my own hand.
22 If anyone loves not the Lord, let him be accursed. Maranatha.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Commentary
16:2 God wants regular, consistent generosity rather than occasional large acts of generosity.
16:7 If the Lord permit- We should always speak of our plans as being ‘God willing’ (James 4:15).
16:14 It’s possible to serve God without doing it in love- as Paul warns against in chapter 13. It’s very important to do all we do consciously motivated by love; not because we ‘have to’, not for appearances, nor from habit and tradition.
16:15-18 Respect can never be demanded, it can only be earned. We should respect those who have clearly given their lives to serving others in Christ.
16:22 Maranatha- A watchword of the early church, meaning ‘May the Lord come soon!’.
