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.
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The Collection for Jerusalem Saints

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 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 that I go also, they shall go with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

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.
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. ​

Instructions Regarding Timothy and Apollos

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.
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. ​

Final Exhortations

13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. ​
14
Let all your things be done with charity. ​

Commendation of Stephanas’ Household

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. ​
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.

Greetings and Concluding Benediction

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.
21
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. ​
22
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. ​
23
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24
My love be with you all 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.

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