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 concerning the collection for the holy ones, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. ​
2
On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. ​
3
When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
4
If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

5
But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. ​
6
But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.
7
For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8
But I will stay at Ephesus until Shavu`ot, ​
9
for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. ​

Instructions Regarding Timothy and Apollos

10
Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. ​
11
Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
12
Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity. ​

Final Exhortations

13
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! ​
14
Let all that you do be done in love. ​

Commendation of Stephanas’ Household

15
Now I beg you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the holy ones), ​
16
that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. ​
17
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
18
For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

Greetings and Concluding Benediction

19
The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house. ​
20
All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21
This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. ​
22
If any man doesn’t love the Lord Yeshua the Messiah, let him be accursed. Come, Lord! ​
23
The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah be with you.
24
My love to all of you in Messiah Yeshua. 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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