1 Corinthians 16
A Collection to Aid Jewish Christians
1 With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia:
The church of Jerusalem began with many of its members selling their property and giving the money to the apostles. However, this socialism program left the Jerusalem church without the ability to earn enough money to support itself. A famine came about in the city, so Paul began to collect money for Jerusalem from the surrounding Gentile churches. The churches in the region of Galatia were many of the early churches that Paul founded on his first missionary journey.
2 On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come.
The church no longer met on the Sabbath, but now they were meeting on the first day of the week, which is Sunday, Paul did not ask them to give a tithe. The tithe was for Israel only while they were under the Mosaic Law. The tithe was actually 23%, and not 10%. It was mostly an agricultural tithe. The Corinthians were asked to give by grace. The amount to give was by how much God had blessed them.
3 Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
Paul placed others in charge of the money. He chose a plurality of men to keep everything honorable to the public eye.
4 And if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will go with me.
Paul would come back on the trip if necessary.
Paul’s Plans to Visit
5 But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia – for I will be going through Macedonia –
Paul planned on visiting Corinth after his trip to Macedonia. Macedonia was in Greece. It was the birthplace of Alexander the Great. The churches of Philippi, Thessalonica, and presumably Berea were in this area.
6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you can send me on my journey, wherever I go.
Even though Paul was an apostle, he did not receive direct revelation as to where he was going. When Christians say that they are going to be doing such-and-such for the next five years, then one should be worried about their amount of bible doctrine and application. No one has an exact blue print from God. There life may be taken that very day.
7 For I do not want to see you now in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.
On Paul's second missionary journey, he planned to visit Asia, but the Holy Spirit led him to Europe. It is good for believers to make plans, but the Holy Spirit may have a better plan and ask for change.
8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
Paul's enemies in Corinth most likely picked up on his travel plans.
9 because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me, but there are many opponents.
Paul possessed many enemies in Ephesus. This was the church that Paul spent the most time, teaching the deepest truths. Persecution comes with deep spiritual truth.
Whenever a door of opportunity opens, believers should expect enemies to come against them.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I am too.
Timothy is a young man. The Corinthians were not to despise him for his youth. He was doing the work of the Lord. He needed prayers, not Christian enemies.
11 So then, let no one treat him with contempt. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers.
The Corinthians were an immature church, so they were warned about treating Timothy with contempt Timothy was to enter and depart in peace. Timothy and some other believers would soon be meeting with Paul.
12 With regard to our brother Apollos; I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was simply not his intention to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity.
The Corinthians had divided feelings among Paul and Apollos. Some followed Paul, but others followed Apollos. Paul commanded the Corinthians to receive him when he comes.
Final Challenge and Blessing
13 Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.
The Corinthians were in a spiritual battle. Paul treated them like soldiers and asked them to give five battle plans. They were to stay alert for the enemy, stand firm against the enemy, show faith that the enemy will be defeated, show courage against the enemy, and to be strong against the enemy. The Word of God is the sword and armor of the Christian soldier.
14 Everything you do should be done in love.
Paul spent an entire chapter on this issue. Love comes from the study of Scripture. No one can keep Christ's commandments unless they know what they are.
15 Now, brothers and sisters, you know about the household of Stephanas, that as the first converts of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints. I urge you
Paul again points out that the Corinthians were fellow believers. Stephanas was one of the first converts of Achaia, which was located in Greece. Stephanas devoted himself to the ministry.
16 also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard.
Stephanas was an appointed elder. The Corinthians were to submit to him.
17 I was glad about the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked.
Paul did not receive fellowship from the Corinthians.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this.
Stephanas was a godly role model.
19 The churches in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house.
Aquila and Priscilla gave up their home to Paul during some of his earlier visits.
20 All the brothers and sisters send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The holy kiss was a symbol of unity between early Christians. Most kisses today are not holy.
21 I, Paul, send this greeting with my own hand.
Paul quit dictating the letter and wrote the remainder with his own hand.
22 Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed. Our Lord, come!
The Greek word for "love" is φιλέω (phileó), meaning intimate friendship.
The Greek word for "accursed" is ἀνάθεμα (anathema), which comes from the Hebrew word חֵרֶם (cherem), meaning devoted to God for destruction. The Canaanites were devoted to God for destruction. Anyone who has no intimate friendship with the Lord Jesus will be devoted to God for destruction.
The Greek word for "Our Lord, Come" is two Greek words, μαρὰν ἀθά (maran atha), meaning "our Lord has come". It is in the perfect tense, meaning that the Lord has already come and he is staying forever.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
Paul gave the Corinthians some harsh words, but he still reminded them that the kindness of their Lord Jesus will be upon them.
23 My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.