1 Corinthians 16
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1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. 2On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. 3When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. 4If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me. 5But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. 6But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go. 7For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 10Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11Therefore 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. 12Now 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. 13Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! 14Let all that you do be done in love. 15Now 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 saints), 16that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. 18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that. 19The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house. 20All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. 22If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Come, Lord! 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."”
1 Corinthians 16:13
Summary
In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul concludes his letter with practical instructions and personal remarks. He begins with guidance on the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, encouraging the Corinthians to set aside money weekly according to their income, ensuring no collections are needed when he arrives. Paul plans to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia, possibly spending the winter there, and he updates them on his current work in Ephesus. He mentions the intent to send Timothy, urging the Corinthians to welcome him warmly. He also acknowledges the visit of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, appreciating their service. Paul extends greetings from the churches of Asia and gives final exhortations to stand firm in faith, encouraging strength and love in all their actions. He closes with a handwritten note emphasizing love for Jesus Christ and offers a benediction of grace to the community.
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Chapter outline
How 1 Corinthians 16 unfolds
1 Corinthians 16:1–4 Collection for the Saints
Paul instructs the Corinthians to begin a collection for the saints in Jerusalem, mirroring his guidance to the Galatian churches.
1 Corinthians 16:5–8 Paul's Travel Plans
He outlines his journey, indicating his intent to visit Corinth after Macedonia and stay there if possible.
1 Corinthians 16:9–12 Timothy and Apollos
Paul encourages the Corinthians to welcome Timothy and informs them about Apollos' situation and intentions.
1 Corinthians 16:13–18 Final Exhortations
He urges the community to be steadfast in faith, to act with courage, and to acknowledge those who serve well.
1 Corinthians 16:19–24 Greetings and Closing
Paul closes with greetings from fellow believers and a personal note, emphasizing love for Jesus and grace.
Key verses
1 Corinthians 16:13The key verse encapsulates the call to vigilance and strength in faith, vital for the church's unity and perseverance.
Main themes in 1 Corinthians 16
charitable giving
The theme of charitable giving arises in the instructions for collecting funds for the saints in Jerusalem in verses 1-4. Paul emphasizes the need for organized and regular contributions to support those in need. This underscores the communal responsibility of the church and the importance of generosity within the Christian community.
fellowship and support
Fellowship and support are emphasized in 1 Corinthians 16, particularly in verses 15-18, where Paul commends Stephanas and his household for their devoted service to the saints. He urges the Corinthians to recognize and extend their support to those who work diligently for the community's benefit. This theme illustrates the importance of mutual encouragement and the strengthening of interpersonal relationships within the church, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration among believers.
perseverance in faith
In verses 13-14, Paul encourages the Corinthians to stand firm and be strong in their faith amidst challenges. This call to perseverance reflects the struggles they face and the necessity of maintaining their commitment to Christ. It emphasizes that faith requires active engagement and resilience in the face of adversity.
love and unity
Love and unity are central in Paul's exhortation in verse 14 to let all actions be done in love. This reinforces the foundational Christian principle that love should govern all interactions within the church. The chapter as a whole culminates in a call for unity and mutual affection among believers.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 16
- Ephesians 6Ephesians 6 connects through its emphasis on standing firm in faith, echoing Paul's exhortations in this chapter.
- Joshua 1Joshua 1 develops the theme of courage and strength, paralleling Paul's encouragement for steadfastness in faith.
- 1 Corinthians 151 Corinthians 15 connects by discussing the resurrection and the importance of steadfastness in faith.
- Philippians 4Philippians 4 echoes the themes of unity and encouragement in community life found in this closing chapter.
- Galatians 5Galatians 5 develops the theme of love as a guiding principle for Christian behavior, similar to Paul's instructions here.
- Colossians 4Colossians 4 connects in its emphasis on greetings and mutual support among believers within the church.
Study questions
Questions for studying 1 Corinthians 16
- What specific instructions does Paul give about the collection for the saints?
- How does Paul plan to travel to Corinth, according to his letter?
- What reasons does Paul provide for sending Timothy to the Corinthians?
- Who are Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and what role do they play?
- What does Paul mean by encouraging strength and courage in the faith?
- How does the closing section reflect Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church?
- What significance does Paul give to love in the final exhortations?
1 Corinthians 16: frequently asked questions
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