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1 Corinthians 16

ScriptureDepth's study of 1 Corinthians 16

“Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!”

1 Corinthians 16:13

Paul urges the Corinthian church to be vigilant and strong in faith, setting a tone of encouragement for them to support each other, particularly in their service to others.

What 1 Corinthians 16 is about

Paul instructs the Corinthians about the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. Each person should save money on the first day of the week (vv. 1-2). Paul plans to send approved individuals to carry the gift to Jerusalem when he arrives (vv. 3-4). He will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost because he has many opportunities for work there (vv. 8-9). He advises the church to welcome Timothy, who is doing the work of the Lord (vv. 10-11). Apollos may come to Corinth later when he has time (vv. 12). Paul urges the Corinthians to be strong in their faith and to do everything in love (vv. 13-14). He calls attention to the household of Stephanas, who have served the saints (vv. 15-18). Finally, Paul sends greetings from the assemblies of Asia, Aquila, Priscilla, and the brothers (vv. 19-21). He ends the letter with a plea for love and grace (vv. 22-24).

The chapter leaves the reader with the call to love Jesus and a longing for His return.

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1 Corinthians 16 at a glance

  1. 1 Corinthians 16:1–4Collection for the Saints
  2. 1 Corinthians 16:5–8Paul's Travel Plans
  3. 1 Corinthians 16:9–12Timothy and Apollos
  4. 1 Corinthians 16:13–18Final Exhortations
  5. 1 Corinthians 16:19–24Greetings and Closing

Key verse: 1 Corinthians 16:13

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read 1 Corinthians 16 (WEB)

Collection for the Saints 1 Corinthians 16:1–4

Verse 1. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. Verse 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. Verse 3. When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. Verse 4. If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.

Paul's Travel Plans 1 Corinthians 16:5–8

Verse 5. But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. Verse 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. Verse 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. Verse 8. But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,

Timothy and Apollos 1 Corinthians 16:9–12

Verse 9. for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. Verse 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. Verse 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. Verse 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 1 Corinthians 16:13–18

Verse 13. Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! Verse 14. Let all that you do be done in love. Verse 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 saints), Verse 16. that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. Verse 17. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. Verse 18. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

Greetings and Closing 1 Corinthians 16:19–24

Verse 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. Verse 20. All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. Verse 21. This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. Verse 22. If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Come, Lord! Verse 23. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Verse 24. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

World English Bible (public domain)

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Main themes in 1 Corinthians 16

charitable giving

In verses 1-4, Paul gives instructions to the Corinthians regarding a collection for the saints in Jerusalem, paralleling the efforts of the Galatian churches. He advises them to set aside contributions on the first day of the week, encouraging a systematic approach to giving to prevent rushed collections. This guidance highlights a structured method of support for those in need, demonstrating the practice of generosity within the early church.

fellowship and support

In vv. 10-11, Paul reassures the Corinthians about Timothy, urging them to support him without fear because ‘he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.’ He also expresses gratitude for Stephanas and his household in vv. 15-18, acknowledging their dedicated service to the saints. This theme highlights the mutual care and encouragement among believers as they support one another in ministry.

perseverance in faith

In vv. 13-14, Paul urges his readers to 'Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!' This call to action emphasizes the need for steadfastness amid challenges in the Christian life. The chapter concludes with an affirmation of love, connecting perseverance with the community's strength in faith and the Lord’s support.

love and unity

In vv. 20-24, Paul expresses a desire for unity and warmth among the Corinthians, urging them to 'greet one another with a holy kiss' and concluding with a message of love. He emphasizes that all actions should be done in love, as seen in v. 14, which serves as a guide for their relationships. This theme is foundational for the community as it navigates its challenges.

Chapter outline

How 1 Corinthians 16 unfolds

  1. 1 Corinthians 16:1–4 Collection for the Saints

    Paul instructs the Corinthians about the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, urging them to set aside funds on the first day of the week 'as he may prosper' (v. 2) to avoid last-minute collections.

  2. 1 Corinthians 16:5–8 Paul's Travel Plans

    Paul outlines his travel intentions, stating he will pass through Macedonia and hopes to stay with the Corinthians for an extended time, depending on the Lord's will (v. 7).

  3. 1 Corinthians 16:9–12 Timothy and Apollos

    Paul explains that a 'great and effective door has opened' for him despite 'many adversaries' (v. 9). He instructs the Corinthians to receive Timothy 'without fear' (v. 10) and notes Apollos will arrive when he finds 'an opportunity' (v. 12).

  4. 1 Corinthians 16:13–18 Final Exhortations

    Paul issues final exhortations, urging the Corinthians to 'Watch!', 'Stand firm in the faith!', and to act in love, while acknowledging those who serve the church (vv. 13-15).

  5. 1 Corinthians 16:19–24 Greetings and Closing

    Paul sends greetings from various individuals, including Aquila and Priscilla, and concludes with a personal blessing, expressing love for the Corinthians in Christ Jesus (vv. 19-24).

Key verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:13Paul urges the Corinthian church to be vigilant and strong in faith, setting a tone of encouragement for them to support each other, particularly in their service to others.

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Study questions

Questions for studying 1 Corinthians 16

SummarizeObserveInterpretApply

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v2, what does Paul instruct each person to do on the 'first day of the week'?
  2. observeIn v18, who does Paul say 'refreshed' his spirit and the Corinthians' spirit?
  3. interpretPaul's mention of a 'great and effective door' in v9: what challenges does he face alongside this opportunity?
  4. interpretIn v22, why does Paul declare that anyone who doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ should be 'accursed'?
  5. applyWhen have you experienced a moment where love motivated your actions, as Paul urges in v14?

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1 Corinthians 16: frequently asked questions

What is 1 Corinthians 16 about?+
Paul instructs the Corinthians about the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. Each person should save money on the first day of the week (vv.
What is the key verse in 1 Corinthians 16?+
1 Corinthians 16:13: “Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!”
What are the main themes of 1 Corinthians 16?+
The main themes of 1 Corinthians 16 are charitable giving, fellowship and support, perseverance in faith, love and unity.

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Study Notes