1Cor 16 | MHM | STEP | Contributions for the Poor Paul finishes his letter by talking about practical matters, but they are still important for Christian life. He starts with instructions about a collection for poor believers in Judea. The Christians there were facing hard times because of troubles in their country and special suffering because they followed Jesus. Paul wanted the Corinthians to help as part of their Christian duty and unity with other believers. v. 1 : Paul tells the Corinthians to follow the same rule about giving as he gave the churches in Galatia. He says, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also” (1 Corinthians 16:1 ). He does not want them to feel burdened but to be encouraged by the example of others. Christians should want to do good works, especially when they have been blessed with spiritual and material gifts.

‏ 1 Corinthians 16

Contributions for the Poor

Paul finishes his letter by talking about practical matters, but they are still important for Christian life. He starts with instructions about a collection for poor believers in Judea. The Christians there were facing hard times because of troubles in their country and special suffering because they followed Jesus. Paul wanted the Corinthians to help as part of their Christian duty and unity with other believers.

v. 1: Paul tells the Corinthians to follow the same rule about giving as he gave the churches in Galatia. He says, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also” (1 Corinthians 16:1 ^a). He does not want them to feel burdened but to be encouraged by the example of others. Christians should want to do good works, especially when they have been blessed with spiritual and material gifts.

v. 2: Paul explains how they should give: “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2 ^b). Each person should save a part of their income every week, according to how much God has blessed them. This makes giving easier and helps everyone join in. The Lord’s Day is a good time for this, as it is a day for worship and acts of love (1 Timothy 6:17-18; Ephesians 4:28 ^c; Proverbs 10:4, 22; 2 Corinthians 8:12 ^d; 1 John 4:21 ^e).

v. 3: Paul says when he comes, he will send people the Corinthians choose to take their gift to Jerusalem. “And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem” (1 Corinthians 16:3 ^f). This shows respect and care for the poor, and encourages trust and honesty in handling the collection.

v. 4: He adds that if it seems good for him to go too, he will travel with their messengers. “But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me” (1 Corinthians 16:4 ^g). Paul is willing to help personally, showing that leaders should also support works of charity. All Christians, including ministers, should be ready to help others in need whenever they can.

Paul Promises to Visit Corinth

In this passage, Paul explains his travel plans to the Corinthians. He wants them to know why he has not visited them yet and how much he cares for their church. Paul hopes to spend quality time with them, not just pass through quickly. He also shares why he is staying in Ephesus for now, showing that his choices are guided by both opportunities and challenges in his ministry. Paul teaches that all our plans should be made with trust in God's will.

v. 5–6: Paul says he plans to travel through Macedonia and then come to Corinth. He wants to spend some time with them, maybe even the winter. He hopes they will help him as he continues his journey. Paul’s desire to stay longer shows his deep care for the church and his hope to help them grow stronger in faith (1 Corinthians 16:5-6 ^h).

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v. 7: Paul explains that he does not want to visit them only “in passing.” He wants to stay longer so it will be more helpful for them. He adds, “I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits” (1 Corinthians 16:7 ⁱ). Paul reminds them (and us) that all our plans depend on God’s will (James 4:15 ^j).

v. 8: For now, Paul says, “I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost” (1 Corinthians 16:8 ^k). He is likely writing this letter from Ephesus, where he is currently working.

v. 9: Paul gives his reason for staying in Ephesus: “A great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” . Many people there are ready to receive the gospel, but there are also many who oppose his work. Paul is not afraid of opposition; instead, it makes him even more determined to serve God. He teaches that difficulties should not stop us from doing good when God gives us a chance to help others.

The Apostle Recommends Timothy; General Directions

In this section, Paul gives special instructions about Timothy, a young leader who is coming to Corinth. He wants the church to treat Timothy with respect and kindness, even though Timothy is young and might need to correct them. Paul also mentions Apollos, showing good cooperation and respect between Christian leaders. These verses teach us how important it is to support and encourage one another in God’s work.

v. 10: Paul asks the Corinthians to make sure Timothy can be with them without fear. He reminds them that Timothy is doing the Lord’s work, just like Paul himself. The church should not discourage Timothy, even if he has to correct or reprove them (1 Corinthians 16:10 ^l).

v. 11: Paul warns them not to despise Timothy because he is young or alone. Instead, they should give him encouragement and send him off peacefully when he leaves. This will show respect for Timothy and for Paul, who sent him (1 Corinthians 16:11 ^m).

v. 12: Paul explains that he wanted Apollos to visit the church, but Apollos decided it was not the right time. He will come when it is more convenient. This shows that Paul and Apollos worked together with love and respect, not with jealousy or rivalry (1 Corinthians 16:12 ⁿ).

Particular Directions

In this passage, Paul gives the Corinthians some final instructions. He encourages them to stand strong in their faith, to be brave and loving, and to respect those who have served well among them. These directions are meant to help the church stay united, faithful, and full of love, especially in difficult times or when there are disagreements and dangers.

v. 13: Paul says, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13 ^o). Christians must always be alert and on guard, because there are many dangers and temptations. They should hold tightly to their faith in the gospel and not give up, even when it is hard. Paul encourages them to act with courage and strength, especially when facing those who try to divide or mislead them (2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 John 5:4 ^p).

v. 14: He also tells them, “Let all that you do be done with love” . Even when defending the truth, Christians must act with kindness and charity. Zeal for the faith should never become harshness or cruelty (James 1:24 ^q). Love should be the motive behind everything they do.

v. 15–16: Paul mentions the household of Stephanas, who were the first converts in Achaia. They faithfully served other believers and helped the church in many ways. Paul says the Corinthians should recognize and respect such people. He asks them to submit to and value all who serve and work hard for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 16:15-16 ^r).

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v. 17–18: Paul is glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came to visit him. They refreshed his spirit and brought good news about the church. He encourages the Corinthians to honor people like them, as they bring encouragement and help to both leaders and the whole church (1 Corinthians 16:17-18 ^s).

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Commendations and Salutations

At the end of his letter, Paul sends greetings and blessings to the Corinthians from himself and other Christians. He encourages them to show love to each other and gives a serious warning about loving the Lord Jesus. Paul finishes with a prayer for God’s grace and with a personal message of love for the church.

v. 19: Paul writes, “The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” . Other believers, especially Aquila and Priscilla and their household, send their greetings. Christian families can be like small churches, worshipping and serving God together (Acts 18:26 ^t).

v. 20: Paul says, “All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss” (1 Corinthians 16:20 ^u). He encourages the church to show love and unity to one another, reminding them to be friendly and caring. This is also a gentle reminder to end their arguments and divisions.

v. 21: Paul adds, “The salutation of me Paul with my own hand” (1 Corinthians 16:21 ^v). He personally signs the end of the letter so they know it comes from him and is genuine (2 Thessalonians 3:17 ^w).

v. 22: Paul gives a strong warning: “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22 ^x). This means that those who do not truly love Jesus are under a curse, because Jesus is coming to judge. True Christians should love Jesus in their hearts, not just with words (John 3:36; Luke 19:27 ^y).

v. 23: He prays, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” (1 Corinthians 16:23 ^z). Paul wishes them every good blessing from Jesus, both for now and for eternity.

v. 24: Paul finishes with love: “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” (1 Corinthians 16:24 ^aa). Even though he wrote strong words to correct them, he wants them to know he loves them dearly in Christ. This is a true Christian spirit—to speak the truth, give warnings, but always show love to all who belong to Jesus.