Final exhortations
1 Corinthians chapter 16
Collection for the saints (in Jerusalem) - verses 1 to 4
1. Regularly on the first day of the week, each should separate his offering at home.
2. The value was to be keeping with their income (each using his own judgement), each one should keep his gift until the opportune time, when a collection would be made and sent to its destination by the means chosen by the church.
3. Paul did not want collections in the church during his stay there.
Travel arrangements - verses 5 to 9
Paul intended to visit Corinth after travelling through Macedonia; he did not want to just pass by, but to stay there for some time, even all winter, if the Lord permitted, so that the Corinthians might send him on his journey, wherever he went. He was staying until Pentecost in Ephesus, where there were great opportunities and also many opponents.
Final recommendations - verses 10 to 18
He recommended Timothy to be welcomed by the church, because "did the work of the Lord" like himself. Paul recommended Apollos to go and visit the brethren in Corinth, but he did not want to go yet and would do so at a convenient time.
Other recommendations:
- To be vigilant.
- To stand fast in the faith.
- To be brave.
- To be strong.
- To do all they did with love.
- To submit to those who devote themselves to the ministry of the saints and worked and laboured with him.
- To greet one another with a holy kiss.
- That if anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed (doomed to destruction).
Closing salutations - verses 19 to 23
He sends greetings from the churches of Asia, from Aquila and Priscilla and from the church that is in their house, from all brethren, and from himself (in his own handwriting).
Finally, he expressed maranatha (come, our Lord), and the desire that the grace of the Lord Jesus and His love be with all of them that are in Christ Jesus.
R David Jones
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:
2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).
6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—
16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul's.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 Corinthians chapter 16