1 Corinthians Chapter 16 — Instructions and Final Greetings
Paul provides guidelines for collecting donations for fellow believers and outlines his future travel plans before concluding with personal greetings.
1Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.
2On the first day of every week, let each one of you save as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.
3When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
4If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
5I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.
6But with you it may be that I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.
7For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,
9for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
12Now concerning Apollos the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.
13Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
14Let all that you do be done in love.
15Now I beg you, brothers—you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints—
16that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
19The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.
20All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.
22If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed.*Greek: anathema. Come, Lord!†Aramaic: Maranatha!
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
1 Corinthians 16:2
“On the first day of every week, let each one of you save as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.”
This verse establishes an early pattern for regular, systematic giving within the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!”
These four brief commands provide a powerful summary of the Christian's spiritual posture.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
This verse encapsulates the central theme of the entire letter, emphasizing love as the guiding principle for all actions.
Chapter Summary
In the final chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul instructs the church on how to organize a collection for the saints in Jerusalem, suggesting they set aside money on the first day of every week. He details his intention to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia, though he plans to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost due to a significant opportunity for ministry despite opposition. Paul also provides guidance on how to receive Timothy and mentions Apollos’s current plans. The letter concludes with a series of exhortations to remain firm in faith and act in love, recognition of faithful servants like Stephanas, and warm greetings from other churches and individuals, including Aquila and Priscilla. Paul ends the epistle with a personal signature and a blessing of grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside a sum of money on the first day of every week according to their prosperity. This was intended for the believers in Jerusalem and was to be ready before Paul's arrival.
Paul chose to remain in Ephesus because he saw a 'great and effective door' for his ministry there. He noted that although there were many adversaries, the opportunity for gospel work was significant.
These were members of the church who visited Paul and 'supplied' what was lacking from the Corinthians. Paul commends the house of Stephanas as the first converts in Achaia and urges the church to respect such devoted workers.
Maranatha is an Aramaic phrase used by Paul which translates to 'Come, Lord!' It expresses the early church's eager expectation for the return of Jesus Christ.
Study Note
The reference to the first day of the week in verse 2 provides some of the earliest textual evidence for Sunday as the day of assembly for the early Christian church.
Related Chapters
2 Corinthians 8
Both chapters discuss the collection for the saints in Jerusalem and the principles of Christian giving.
Romans 15
Paul mentions his travel plans and the importance of supporting the poor in Jerusalem in both letters.
Acts 19
This chapter in Acts provides the historical context of Paul's ministry in Ephesus mentioned in this letter.
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