1 Corinthians16

Paul provides instructions for a weekly collection for the saints in Jerusalem, to be gathered before his arrival. He outlines his travel plans, intending to visit Corinth after Macedonia and stay through winter, while remaining in Ephesus until Pentecost due to effective ministry. He also gives directives concerning Timothy's reception and Apollos's delayed visit, concluding with exhortations to steadfastness, charity, and various greetings.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

The Collection for Jerusalem Saints

1
Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: ​
2
On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed. ​
3
Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
4
And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

5
After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia. ​
6
Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
7
For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
8
But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, ​
9
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me. ​

Instructions Regarding Timothy and Apollos

10
If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am. ​
11
No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.
12
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. ​

Final Exhortations

13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. ​
14
Do everything in love. ​

Commendation of Stephanas’ Household

15
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, ​
16
to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. ​
17
I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
18
For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.

Greetings and Concluding Benediction

19
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. ​
20
All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. ​
22
If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord! ​
23
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24
My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Study Notes for 1 Corinthians 16

Verse 1

Paul organizes this collection across multiple Gentile churches (Galatia, Achaia, Macedonia) to demonstrate unity between Jewish and Gentile believers and to meet the needs of the impoverished Jerusalem church.

Verse 2

This verse provides early evidence of Christians meeting or setting aside funds on 'the first day of the week' (Sunday), likely commemorating the resurrection. The principle is systematic, proportionate giving ('as God hath prospered him').

Verse 5

Paul confirms he will travel through Macedonia first, indicating his initial plan to visit Corinth directly had changed, perhaps due to the severity of the problems addressed in this letter.

Verse 8

Paul is writing from Ephesus (Acts 19), where he stayed for about three years. He plans to remain there until Pentecost (late spring/early summer), which was a major Jewish and Christian festival.

Verse 9

A 'great door' refers to a significant opportunity for ministry and evangelism. The simultaneous presence of 'many adversaries' highlights the constant tension between effective ministry and opposition (cf. Rev 3:8).

Verse 10

Timothy was Paul's young delegate, often tasked with difficult missions. Paul instructs the Corinthians to treat him with respect, indicating Timothy might have been apprehensive about the turbulent Corinthian church.

Verse 12

Apollos was an eloquent and influential teacher in Corinth (cf. 1 Cor 1:12). His refusal to come immediately suggests he may have been trying to diffuse the factionalism that had arisen in his name.

Verse 13

This is a powerful series of military metaphors: 'Watch' (be alert), 'stand fast in the faith' (hold the ground), and 'quit you like men' (be courageous and mature).

Verse 14

This verse summarizes all the previous instructions in the entire letter: everything commanded, whether regarding wisdom, gifts, or order, must ultimately be governed by *agapē* (self-giving love).

Verse 15

The house of Stephanas was among the very first converts in Achaia (the Roman province including Corinth). They demonstrated true maturity by dedicating themselves to serving the believers ('ministry of the saints').

Verse 16

Paul encourages submission to these faithful local leaders, establishing a pattern of acknowledging and respecting those who labor diligently and sacrificially in the church.

Verse 19

Aquila and Priscilla were prominent missionary partners of Paul. The mention of 'the church that is in their house' confirms the pattern of early Christian worship occurring in private homes.

Verse 21

Paul typically dictated his letters to a secretary. Writing the final salutation 'with mine own hand' served as an authentication mark to prevent forgery (cf. 2 Thess 3:17).

Verse 22

*Anathema* means 'accursed' or devoted to destruction. *Maranatha* is Aramaic, meaning 'Our Lord, come!' or 'Our Lord has come.' This is a severe warning against those who reject Christ, juxtaposing judgment with the hope of the Lord's return.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options