1 Corinthians16
King James Version · Public Domain
1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
4And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
5Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
6And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
7For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
10Now if Timothy come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
12As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14Let all your things be done with charity.
15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Corinthians 16.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: A collection for the poor at Jerusalem. (1–9). Timothy and Apollos commended. (10–12). Exhortation to watchfulness in faith and love. (13–18). Christian salutations. (19–24).
vv1-9
The good examples of other Christians and churches should rouse us. It is good to lay up in store for good uses. Those who are rich in this world, should be rich in good works, 1Ti 6:17, 18. The diligent hand will not make rich, without the Divine blessing, Pr 10:4, 22. And what more proper to stir us up to charity to the people and children of God, than to look at all we have as his gift? Works of mercy are real fruits of true love to God, and are therefore proper services on his own day. Ministers are doing their proper business, when putting forward, or helping works of charity. The heart of a Christian minister must be towards the people among whom he has laboured long, and with success. All our purposes must be made with submission to the Divine providence, Jas 4:15. Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal, and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by the hardness of his hearers' hearts, and the backslidings of professors, than by the enemies' attempts.
vv10-12
Timothy came to do the work of the Lord. Therefore to vex his spirit, would be to grieve the Holy Spirit; to despise him, would be to despise Him that sent him. Those who work the work of the Lord, should be treated with tenderness and respect. Faithful ministers will not be jealous of each other. It becomes the ministers of the gospel to show concern for each other's reputation and usefulness.
vv13-18
A Christian is always in danger, therefore should ever be on the watch. He should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert or give it up. By this faith alone he will be able to keep his ground in an hour of temptation. Christians should be careful that charity not only reigns in their hearts, but shines in their lives. There is a great difference between Christian firmness and feverish warmth and transport. The apostle gave particular directions as to some who served the cause of Christ among them. Those who serve the saints, those who desire the honour of the churches, and to remove reproaches from them, are to be thought much of, and loved. They should willingly acknowledge the worth of such, and all who laboured with or helped the apostle.
Key Words
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
περί (perí): properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period)
λογία (logía): a contribution
εἰς (eis): to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἅγιος (hágios): sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ὥσπερ (hṓsper): just as, i.e. exactly like
διατάσσω (diatássō): to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc.
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía): a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)
Γαλατία (Galatía): Galatia, a region of Asia
οὕτω (hoútō): in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 16Direct parallel identifying the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem from Greece/Macedonia.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Paul's prior agreement with the Jerusalem apostles to remember the poor, establishing this collection's background.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Clear apostolic practice of gathering for worship and breaking bread on the first day of the week.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Agabus's prophecy of famine, which prompted the widespread relief efforts for the Judean church.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Historical account of Paul's journey strengthening the churches of Galatia where he gave this order.
Supported by JFB
Establishes the early church designation of the first day of the week as the Lord's Day.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Details the messengers chosen by the churches to accompany Paul in bringing this same collection.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Expresses the standard of conditional planning under God's sovereign will ('if the Lord permit').
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Paul uses the same metaphor of an opened door for gospel opportunity.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Luke records Paul's purpose in spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Paul hastens past Ephesus to be in Jerusalem, if possible, by Pentecost.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Paul's similar instruction that Timothy's youth should not be despised or cause fear.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identifies the household of Stephanas, whom Paul personally baptized as firstfruits of Achaia.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Introduces Aquila and Priscilla, who salute the Corinthians and had previously hosted Paul.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Defends Paul against accusations of fickleness regarding his changed travel plans to Corinth.
Supported by Matthew Poole