1 Corinthians 16
1 Corinthians 16 gives Paul’s closing instructions and greetings to the church in Corinth. In this chapter, Paul speaks about practical matters such as collecting support for the saints in Jerusalem, his travel plans, the ministry of Timothy and Apollos, and the need for believers to remain watchful, strong, faithful, and loving. The chapter ends with greetings from fellow believers and a final blessing, showing the unity, fellowship, and love that should exist among God’s people.
1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:
2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
4 And if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
Paul begins by giving instructions about the collection for the poor and struggling believers in Jerusalem. He tells the Corinthians to follow the same practice he gave to the churches in Galatia. Each believer was to set aside something regularly on the first day of the week, according to how God had prospered them. This was not a forced amount, but a willing and thoughtful giving based on each person’s ability. Paul wanted the money to be prepared ahead of time so there would be no rushed or pressured collection when he arrived. He also wanted the church to choose trustworthy people, approved by letters, to carry the gift safely to Jerusalem. If it was appropriate, Paul himself would go with them. This shows that Christian giving should be planned, generous, honest, and handled with accountability.
1 Corinthians 16:5-9 (NKJV)
5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.
6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Paul explains his travel plans and shows that his ministry decisions were both practical and dependent on God’s will. He planned to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia, and he hoped to stay with them for a longer time, possibly even through the winter, rather than making only a short visit. He also hoped they would help send him on his next journey, meaning they would support him with fellowship, prayer, and practical assistance. Yet Paul adds, “if the Lord permits,” showing that even his plans were submitted to God’s direction. For the moment, he would remain in Ephesus until Pentecost because a great and effective door for ministry had opened there. However, there were also many adversaries, showing that opportunity and opposition often come together in God’s work. Paul did not run away from difficulty when God had opened a door for the gospel.
1 Corinthians 16:10-12 (NKJV)
10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.
Paul speaks about two fellow workers, Timothy and Apollos. He asks the Corinthians to receive Timothy kindly and make sure he can be among them without fear, because Timothy was doing the work of the Lord just as Paul was. Timothy may have been younger or less forceful in personality, so Paul warns them not to despise him or treat him lightly. They were to send him on his way in peace so he could return to Paul. Paul also explains that he strongly encouraged Apollos to visit Corinth, but Apollos was not willing to come at that time and would come later when he had a suitable opportunity. This shows that Paul respected the freedom and judgment of his fellow workers. Ministry was not controlled by pride or force, but by cooperation, timing, and the leading of God.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
These two verses summarize the spirit believers should have in the Christian life. Paul tells them to “watch,” meaning they must stay spiritually alert and not become careless. They must “stand fast in the faith,” meaning they should remain firm in the truth and not be moved by false teaching, pressure, or temptation. They must “be brave” and “be strong,” showing courage and spiritual maturity in the face of trials and opposition. But Paul also adds, “Let all that you do be done with love.” Strength without love can become harsh, and courage without love can become prideful. Paul’s point is that believers must be firm and faithful, but everything they do must be guided by the love of Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:15-18 (NKJV)
15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—
16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
Paul honors the household of Stephanas, who were among the first converts in Achaia and had devoted themselves to serving the saints. Their example shows that true faith leads to humble and faithful service. Paul encourages the Corinthians to respect and submit to people like this, not because they were seeking power, but because they were working hard for the good of the church. He also mentions Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, whose visit refreshed Paul’s spirit and helped supply what was lacking from the Corinthians’ absence. They brought encouragement, support, and fellowship to Paul while he was away from the church. Paul says such people should be acknowledged, meaning the church should recognize and appreciate faithful workers who labor for the Lord and strengthen others.
1 Corinthians 16:19-24 (NKJV)
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Paul closes with greetings from the churches of Asia, from Aquila and Priscilla, and from the church that met in their house. This reminds us that the early churches were deeply connected, even though they were in different places. Paul tells them to greet one another with a holy kiss, which was a cultural expression of Christian love, peace, and fellowship. He then adds a personal greeting in his own handwriting, showing the sincerity of his message. In verse 22, Paul gives a serious warning: “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” “Anathema” means accursed or separated from God’s blessing, while “Maranatha” means “Our Lord comes.” Together, this phrase gives both a warning and a reminder: those who reject Christ place themselves outside His blessing, and the Lord is surely coming. Paul ends not with harshness, but with grace and love, saying, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” and “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” Even after correcting many problems in Corinth, Paul still loved them deeply in Christ.