1 Corinthians16
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.
2Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
3And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:
4and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.
5But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;
6but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go.
7For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope 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 be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:
11let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren.
12But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.
13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14Let all that ye do be done in love.
15Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints),
16that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth.
17And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.
19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.
21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha.
23The grace of the 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