1 Corinthians 16: 1-4, The gift for Jerusalem
Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
Verse 2 describes meetings that occur on the first day of the
week. It is likely that the first day of the week, what we now call Sunday, was the special day
the church met as a group. This tradition, separate from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) would spread throughout the region, eventually becoming the traditional day of worship for Christians.
1 Corinthians 16: 5-7, Paul's plans
After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you--for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you--for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
Paul hopes for another trip, one with a lengthy stay.
1 Corinthians 16: 8-9, Remaining in Ephesus
But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
Meanwhile Paul remains in Ephesus, as apparently recorded by Luke in Acts 19.
1 Corinthians 16: 10-12, Timothy and Apollos
If Timothy comes,
see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying
on the work of the Lord, just as I am. No one, then,
should refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return
to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
The "brother", Apollos, already has strong influence in Corinth; see chapter 1 of this letter. Apollos was recognized as a mature and accomplished Christian leader. Luke introduces him in Acts 18:24-28.
1 Corinthians 16: 13-14, Be courageous; do all in Love
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
Do all in Love! (See chapter 13!) But acting in love does require courage.
1 Corinthians 16: 15-18, Value Stephanas and his family
You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.
I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.
I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
I find these casual remarks fascinating -- we see a variety of committed disciples, living out their lives in places like Corinth and Ephesus, members of the Kingdom of Heaven who seem to have no desire to be famous or achieve some type of spiritual fame.
1 Corinthians 16: 19-24, Final greetings
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Like the letter to Galatia, Paul adds a line written in his own hand, distinct from the general script written out by his secretary (amenuensis).
The NIV footnotes tell us that the Greek word translated "Priscilla" in verse 19 is really "Prisca", a variant of the name. In many cultures, such a shortening of a name is a sign of affection.
The NIV footnotes also point out that the phrase is verse 22 translated "Come, O Lord" is the Aramaic phrase, "Maranatha". It could also be translated, "Our Lord has come!" This is the only place in the New Testament where this Aramaic phrase occurs.
The NIV footnotes tell us that the Greek word translated "Priscilla" in verse 19 is really "Prisca", a variant of the name. In many cultures, such a shortening of a name is a sign of affection.
The NIV footnotes also point out that the phrase is verse 22 translated "Come, O Lord" is the Aramaic phrase, "Maranatha". It could also be translated, "Our Lord has come!" This is the only place in the New Testament where this Aramaic phrase occurs.
Tomorrow we will return to study one of the gospels, my favorite, the Gospel of Mark.
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