1 Corinthians 16
In this final chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul concludes his letter with practical instructions and personal notes to the church in Corinth. He addresses the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, provides travel plans and greetings, and emphasizes the importance of vigilance, faith, courage, and love in the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 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.
Paul instructs the Corinthians to follow the same procedure he set for the Galatian churches regarding the collection for Jerusalem’s saints. He emphasizes that contributions should be made regularly on the first day of the week, based on individual prosperity, to avoid last-minute gatherings of funds.
1 Corinthians 16:3-4 (NKJV) And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
Paul plans to ensure the proper handling and delivery of the collection by sending approved representatives from the Corinthian church to Jerusalem. He adds that if it seems appropriate, he will accompany them to oversee the distribution personally.
1 Corinthians 16:5-7 (NKJV) Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. 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. 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.
Paul shares his travel plans, indicating a desire to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia. He mentions the possibility of staying with them through the winter, suggesting a longer visit rather than a brief stopover, contingent on God’s will.
1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NKJV) But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Paul explains his decision to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost due to the significant opportunities for ministry that have arisen, despite facing many challenges. This reflects his commitment to seize evangelistic opportunities, regardless of opposition.
1 Corinthians 16:10-11 (NKJV) 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. 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.
Paul asks the Corinthians to welcome Timothy warmly and ensure he feels safe and respected during his visit. Timothy is doing the Lord’s work, just as Paul is, and should be treated with kindness and support as he continues his travels.
1 Corinthians 16:12 (NKJV) Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to go at this time; however, he will go when he has a convenient time.
Paul addresses concerns about Apollos, noting that while he encouraged him to visit Corinth with other brethren, Apollos has decided against traveling immediately. He leaves open the possibility of a future visit when it suits Apollos.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV) Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.
Paul exhorts the Corinthians to vigilance, steadfastness in faith, courage, strength, and to act out of love in all things. These virtues are crucial for maintaining their spiritual integrity and unity.
1 Corinthians 16:15-16 (NKJV) 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—that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
Paul recognizes the household of Stephanas as early converts and dedicated servants in Achaia. He encourages the Corinthians to respect and follow the lead of such devoted individuals, along with all who collaborate in their Christian service.
1 Corinthians 16:17-18 (NKJV) I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
Paul expresses his gratitude for the companionship and support of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who have bolstered his spirits and by extension, that of the Corinthian church. He urges recognition and appreciation for such supportive individuals.
1 Corinthians 16:19-20 (NKJV) The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The closing greetings include well-wishes from other churches and specific mentions of Aquila and Priscilla, highlighting the interconnectedness and affection within the early Christian communities. The instruction to greet each other with a holy kiss underscores the familial bond among believers.
1 Corinthians 16:21-24 (NKJV) The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema. Maranatha! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Paul concludes with a personal touch by writing the salutation with his own hand, emphasizing the importance of love for Jesus. He invokes both a curse on those who do not love the Lord and a cry for the Lord’s coming (Maranatha). His final words are a blessing of grace and an expression of his love for all the believers in Corinth.In this final chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul concludes his letter with practical instructions and personal notes to the church in Corinth. He addresses the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, provides travel plans and greetings, and emphasizes the importance of vigilance, faith, courage, and love in the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 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.
Paul instructs the Corinthians to follow the same procedure he set for the Galatian churches regarding the collection for Jerusalem’s saints. He emphasizes that contributions should be made regularly on the first day of the week, based on individual prosperity, to avoid last-minute gatherings of funds.
1 Corinthians 16:3-4 (NKJV) And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
Paul plans to ensure the proper handling and delivery of the collection by sending approved representatives from the Corinthian church to Jerusalem. He adds that if it seems appropriate, he will accompany them to oversee the distribution personally.
1 Corinthians 16:5-7 (NKJV) Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. 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. 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.
Paul shares his travel plans, indicating a desire to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia. He mentions the possibility of staying with them through the winter, suggesting a longer visit rather than a brief stopover, contingent on God’s will.
1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NKJV) But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Paul explains his decision to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost due to the significant opportunities for ministry that have arisen, despite facing many challenges. This reflects his commitment to seize evangelistic opportunities, regardless of opposition.
1 Corinthians 16:10-11 (NKJV) 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. 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.
Paul asks the Corinthians to welcome Timothy warmly and ensure he feels safe and respected during his visit. Timothy is doing the Lord’s work, just as Paul is, and should be treated with kindness and support as he continues his travels.
1 Corinthians 16:12 (NKJV) Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to go at this time; however, he will go when he has a convenient time.
Paul addresses concerns about Apollos, noting that while he encouraged him to visit Corinth with other brethren, Apollos has decided against traveling immediately. He leaves open the possibility of a future visit when it suits Apollos.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV) Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.
Paul exhorts the Corinthians to vigilance, steadfastness in faith, courage, strength, and to act out of love in all things. These virtues are crucial for maintaining their spiritual integrity and unity.
1 Corinthians 16:15-16 (NKJV) 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—that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
Paul recognizes the household of Stephanas as early converts and dedicated servants in Achaia. He encourages the Corinthians to respect and follow the lead of such devoted individuals, along with all who collaborate in their Christian service.
1 Corinthians 16:17-18 (NKJV) I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
Paul expresses his gratitude for the companionship and support of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who have bolstered his spirits and by extension, that of the Corinthian church. He urges recognition and appreciation for such supportive individuals.
1 Corinthians 16:19-20 (NKJV) The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The closing greetings include well-wishes from other churches and specific mentions of Aquila and Priscilla, highlighting the interconnectedness and affection within the early Christian communities. The instruction to greet each other with a holy kiss underscores the familial bond among believers.
1 Corinthians 16:21-24 (NKJV) The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema. Maranatha! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Paul concludes with a personal touch by writing the salutation with his own hand, emphasizing the importance of love for Jesus. He invokes both a curse on those who do not love the Lord and a cry for the Lord’s coming (Maranatha). His final words are a blessing of grace and an expression of his love for all the believers in Corinth.