1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Collections
1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
This is a collection for poor Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30, 24:17, Romans 15: 26, 2 Corinthians 8:13, 9:9-12).
1 Corinthians 16:2 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.
Meeting on a Sunday was common practice, commemorating the resurrection. It was no substitute for the Sabbath, because they were working, gathering the donated goods. Though this was a special offering for the poor, some see it as a precedent for the weekly church offering.
1 Corinthians 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. 4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
Paul asked them to choose, and those delegates would be responsible for any goods and/or money, so that he was not involved at all with church finances. Most pastors continue to use this wisdom today, keeping a distance from the church treasury, so as to be above suspicion.
Sometimes the congregation chooses a team. Sometimes God chooses a David through a prophet like Nathan. And sometimes a Timothy chooses and appoints elders. Church polity is not set in stone, but adaptable.
1 Corinthians 16:5-12 Travels
1 Corinthians 16:5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. 6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. 7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
It is good to plan, but wiser to allow God to change our plans. It is also good to remind others that we are at God’s disposal for a “divine appointment” by using phrases similar to “if the Lord permits” or “if God wills.”
1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Sometimes God opens a great door for the Gospel. Having adversaries is not an indicator that we are heading down the wrong path, but often a sign that we are on the right track, because the Gospel will frequently face opposition, even within the church.
1 Corinthians 16:10 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. 11 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.
Timothy was young and easily disrespected. Immature congregations will often not give a young leader a chance, but wise Christians know that God can do wonderful things, even through an inexperienced and awkward pastor.
1 Corinthians 16:12 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.
Apollos was a significant leader in the church, who carried on watering after Paul planted.
1 Corinthians 16:13-24 Conclusion
1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14 Let all your things be done with charity.
Great wisdom for every congregation is this. If only we could find such virtues in every church!
1 Corinthians 16:15 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,) 16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
Churches that have faithful households, who all get involved in service to others, are indeed blessed.
1 Corinthians 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
Fortunatus was possibly mentioned by Clement as the bearer of his epistle to the Corinthians. Both Fortunatus [Fortunate, Lucky] and Achaicus [someone from Achaia] were apparently common names given to freed slaves.
1 Corinthians 16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
These three people were united to just bless and encourage the visiting Paul. Many churches are blessed to have such a team of encouragers. There is a group of similar such friends in many churches across the world.
1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
The “holy kiss” on the cheek or lips was a common greeting among both men and women and is still practiced in some cultures. Humorously, several early church fathers advised that it is only a holy kiss if one does not linger and there were some abuses. Many western cultures practice a holy hand shake, or a holy hug.
1 Corinthians 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
Paul obviously did not use a stenographer for this part of the letter, but wrote it directly.
1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
The NLT renders this, “If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come!” Paul is not presumptuously cursing anyone himself, but merely stating the obvious, that because salvation is only available in Jesus, those who do not love Jesus have chosen the ultimate curse for themselves, that is hell. Many are familiar with the word maranatha, which simply means, Lord come!
1 Corinthians 16:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
This is often called a benediction, meaning a concluding blessing. The original benediction was the priestly blessing which God commanded Aaron and his sons to say, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV)
Benedictions at the end of the New Testament epistles are also commonly quoted to conclude a Christian service. A popular one is Paul’s trinitarian benediction, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
This personal ending reveals Paul’s great affection towards the people here.
