1Corinthians 16 - Outline of 1Corinthians(MENU page)

In this closing chapter, of Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, the apostle seeks to coordinate practical matters relative to the travels of several of the Lord's servants (including himself), acknowledges the arrival of a few believers from Corinth who encouraged him in the work, and conveys greetings to the church in Corinth from the church in Ephesus, where he was ministering at the time.
  A. Concerning the Collection for the saints in Jerusalem.
1. Now concerning the collection for the saints,
as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
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 {ie., no collections taken} when I come.
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 {fitting} that I go also, they shall go with me.
  ...concerning the collection for the saints...
    Over the course of a few years, a gift was collected from the Gentile churches to offset the financial difficulties of believers in the vicinity of Jerusalem, who were suffering persecution. Details concerning the gathering and delivery of this gift are given in: 2Cor 8:1-17; Rom 15:25-27; Acts 21:17-19; 24:17
    While this collection is long past, there are applications for today:
    1. Believers ought to bear one another's burdens. v.1; Gal 6:2
    Such support is to be offered in proportion to one's ability. 2Cor 8:13-15
  - The First Day of the week was the day of assembly for the NT church. v.2
    - It is distinct from the day of assembly for Israel on the sabbath (the seventh day).
    - The first day commemorates the Lord's resurrection (eg., Luk 24:1-6; Joh 20:19; 20:26).
        The Feast of Firstfruits was on the day after the sabbath (Lev 23:10,11; 1Cor 15:20).
    - The first day marked the beginning of the Church (Acts 2:1-4).
        Pentecost is on the day after the sabbath (Lev 23:15,16).
    - The early church broke bread (partook of the Lord's Supper) on the first day (Acts 20:7).
  - All things must be done honestly and transparently, to avoid any appearance of evil.
      In v.3,4, Paul asked the churches to appoint trusted men who would carry the gift to Jerusalem. He was willing to accompany them, but only if the churches approved. 2Cor 8:18-21
    B. Concerning Paul's planned visit to Corinth.
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. {cp. Jam 4:15}
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.
  Now {ie., Moreover, Therefore} I will come unto you, when...
    Paul was planning to visit Corinth again, but not immediately.
    Here, he shares his tentative travel itinerary.
  ...at Ephesus... a great door and effectual is opened unto me... and many adversaries.
    During Paul's two years of fruitful ministry at Ephesus, many disciples were prepared to reach unreached areas (Acts 19:8-20). His work of evangelism and biblical instruction was opposed by unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, alike (Acts 19:8-9,23-41).
    Unexpected events (including the uproar at Ephesus) would upset his travel schedule, as he would explain in his later letter to the Corinthians. cp. Acts 19:21-23; 20:1-6; 2Cor 1:8-10,15-17
  C. Closing exhortations, greetings, and benediction.
10. Now if Timotheus come, {1Cor 4:17}
see that he may be with you without fear:
for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also [do]. {Php 2:19-22}
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.
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.
  ...if Timotheus come... let no man... despise him...
    Some might disregard Timothy's ministry because he was relatively young. But Paul had prepared him for the work, which he pursued on the authority of God's Word, by the Holy Spirit's enabling. cp. 1The 4:8; 1Tim 4:12; Titus 2:15
  As touching [our] brother Apollos... his will was not at all to come at this time...
    The previous ministry of Apollos in Corinth had been beneficial and well received (Acts 19:1; 1Cor 3:5-7). Therefore, Paul had earnestly implored him to return and continue his work among the Corinthian believers. However, Apollos felt that the Lord was directing him elsewhere, at that time.
    Church leaders should note this example. The apostle counseled Apollos, but did not command him. The Lord's servant must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul, like the apostle Peter, humbly regarded themselves as elders who should lead God's people by example, rather than taking absolute authority over them (1Pet 5:1-5). Of course, they did exercise apostolic authority when necessary to correct moral and doctinal errors (eg., 1Cor 5:1-5).
13. Watch ye, {ie., be vigilant; 1Cor 15:34,51-52; Mat 25:13; 1Pet 5:8}
stand fast in the faith, {1Cor 15:1-2,58; Php 1:27; 2The 2:15}
quit you like men, {be manly, not childish; 1Cor 3:1-3; 9:25-27; 14:20}
be strong. {1Cor 14:12; Eph 6:10; 2Tim 2:1}
14 Let all your things be done with charity. {1Cor 13:1-13; Joh 13:34,35}
  In v.13-14, Paul reviews several points from his instruction in this epistle.
  In v.15-16, Paul counsels his readers to follow the example of a godly man and his family.
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.
  Stephanas and his family were the earliest to believe the Gospel, in Achaia {Greece}. 1Cor 1:16
  He and his family had dedicated themselves to serve other believers.
  Paul counseled the church to yield to his leadership (and to that of others like him). Heb 13:17; 1Pet 5:5
17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus:
for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours:
therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
  I am glad of {ie., I rejoice in} the coming {GK=parousia, personal presence} of...
  for that which was lacking... they have supplied {GK=anapleroo, fully completed}...
    The named believers, who arrived from Corinth, greatly encouraged Paul. While it is possible that they brought a financial gift of support, Paul does not specifically say so. Elsewhere, he mentions receiving such gifts from other churches, so that his ministry in Corinth could be free of charge (2Cor 11:9). Therefore, their supply of "that which was lacking on your part" may mean that their fellowship satisfied his longing for news from the church in Corinth (cp. Php 2:25,29-30).
  ...for they have refreshed {GK=anapauo , rested, relaxed} my spirit...
    Through these visitors, some of Paul's concerns for the church were eased. Prov 25:25; eg., 2Cor 7:6-7,13
19. The churches of Asia salute you.
  Paul, writing from Ephesus, was in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).
Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord,
with the church that is in their house.
  This couple, who had been involved in the church in Corinth from its beginning, were now serving in Ephesus. Acts 18:1-3
20 All the brethren greet you.
Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
21 The salutation of [me] Paul with mine own hand.
  Most of Paul's epistles were dictated to a scribe who penned the words. When the letter was complete, Paul wrote a few closing lines in his own handwriting. cp. 2The 3:17
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ,
let him be Anathema Maranatha.
  The two Greek words which end this verse were left untranslated.
    GK=Anathema - accursed, irrevocably condemned to destruction. cp. Gal 1:8,9
    GK=Maran-atha (a combination of two words) - Our Lord cometh. cp. cp. 2The 1:6-10
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. {cp. 1Cor 1:3,4}
24 My love [be] with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. {cp. 1Cor 4:14,15}

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