1 Corinthians16
New International Version
1Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.
2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
3Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
4If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
5After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia.
6Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
7For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
8But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,
9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
10When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.
11No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.
12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
14Do everything in love.
15You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters,
16to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.
17I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
19The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
20All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
22If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!
23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24My love to all of you 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