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.

The Collection for Jerusalem Saints

1
Now, in regard to the collection being made for God’s people: you are to do the same as I directed the congregations in Galatia to do. ​
2
Every week, on Motza’ei-Shabbat, each of you should set some money aside, according to his resources, and save it up; so that when I come I won’t have to do fundraising. ​
3
And when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the people you have approved, and I will send them to carry your gift to Yerushalayim.
4
If it seems appropriate that I go too, they will go along with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

5
I will visit you after I have gone through Macedonia, for I am intending to pass through Macedonia, ​
6
and I may stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me continue my travels wherever I may go.
7
For I don’t want to see you now, when I am only passing through; because I am hoping to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows it.
8
But I will remain in Ephesus until Shavu‘ot, ​
9
because a great and important door has opened for my work, and there are many people opposing me. ​

Instructions Regarding Timothy and Apollos

10
If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to be afraid of while he is with you; for he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. ​
11
So let no one treat him with disrespect. Help him on his way in peace, so that he will return to me, for the brothers and I are expecting him.
12
As for brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to go and visit you along with the other brothers; and although it was not at all his desire to come at this time, he will come when he has the opportunity. ​

Final Exhortations

13
Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, behave like a mentsh, grow strong. ​
14
Let everything you do be done in love. ​

Commendation of Stephanas’ Household

15
Now, brothers, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first people in Achaia to put their trust in the Messiah, and they have devoted themselves to serving God’s people. ​
16
I urge you to submit yourselves to people like these and to everyone who works and toils with them. ​
17
I am glad that Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus are here, because they have helped make up for your not being here.
18
They have refreshed my spirit, just as they have yours. I want you to show appreciation for people like these.

Greetings and Concluding Benediction

19
The congregations in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you in union with the Lord, as does the congregation that meets in their house. ​
20
All the brothers send you their greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21
Now, I Sha’ul, greet you in my own handwriting. ​
22
If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse on him! Marana, ta! [Our Lord, come!] ​
23
May the grace of the Lord Yeshua be with you.
24
My love is with you all, in union with the Messiah Yeshua.

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.

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