Bible Study - 1 Corinthians Chapter 16
Bible Study - 1 Corinthians Chapter 16
| 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. |
This is the 5th time Paul has used "now concerning" in this letter. This is part of the confirmation that many things in this letter are responses to the letter they sent to Paul. That the intended recipient of the money isn't mentioned until later, and the purpose of the collection isn't specified is further evidence. The reason for the collection was the church in Jerusalem was in financial hardship for a variety of reasons. The word for collection is logeia in Greek, which is literally "contribution". |
| 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. |
The first day of the week is Sunday in the Jewish calendar, with the Sabbath being the last day. This verse along with Acts 20:7 are biblical evidence that gathering on Sunday was the norm for the early Christian church. The historical record also records the practice. This allowed the Jewish Christians to continue their Sabbath observance and still participate in the gathering of Christians. They also gathered throughout the week, although these were usually smaller gatherings. "As he may prosper" is hoti ean euodotai in Greek. Ean is best translated as "if". This passage is more literally translated, "If and as he prospers". The point is there is no hint of a proportional amount like the specified proportion of the tithe in Mosaic low. Those who teach we should tithe neglect that a tithe goes to the Levites. So tithes should go to Israel, not the local church. The instructions for giving in the New Testament is people are to give as they decide themselves, cheerfully and not under compulsion. The tithe was very much a compulsory practice. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Paul's instructions are to set aside some as they are able from some of the excess of that week. Before this instruction when there was a collection for those in need in places like the church in Jerusalem or Rome the collection would be taken at the time it was sent. Paul instructed the churches at Galatia and Corinth to make this a weekly thing on Sunday to add to the sum that was later be sent to the church in Jerusalem so it wasn't an all at once thing. Paul didn't specify why. It could be that this would raise a larger sum. Or it could be because he didn't want that to be the focus when he visited. But this is just speculation. |
| 3 When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; |
Letters of introduction were the normal practice in this time period. There weren't IDs at this time. The only way to let someone know a trusted person was coming was by letter either sent ahead or sent with them. The only forms of long-distance communication were letters and a messenger with a verbal message. Paul did not choose who to send, but relied on the church to use their wisdom and knowledge to pick good people. That representatives from the church would go with the gift was significant. More people meant more security on the road. And it meant that the church would have a first-hand account that their gift reached its intended recipient. This also meant more intermingling of the churches promoting the unity of the church. |
| 4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me. | Fitting, axion in Greek, can be translated as worthy. But advisable or fitting is a better translation in this context and in light of Paul's later journeys. It's not that Paul was concerned that the amount collected was worthy, it was whether it was a good idea for him to travel to Jerusalem or not. |
| 5 But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia; | Macedonia includes the churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. These churches were doing well, but it had been years since Paul was with them in person. His plan was to go visit these churches from end of spring, (in verse 8,) to the beginning of fall and then go to Corinth. |
| 6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits. | Paul was non-committal about specifics of visiting Corinth. But he was clear he wanted to visit and spend an extended period with them. Perhaps it would be more than he planed to spend with the churches in Macedonia. Considering the correction of the Corinthian church in this epistle it is likely that he wanted to ensure they were back on the narrow road with the real gospel. However, he states that the reason for his wish for an extended visit is so they can send him on his way. This appears to imply the opportunity for them to financially support him and his ministry. Up to this point he had strictly not accepted anything from the Corinthians. Yet he had accepted support from others when his tent-making didn't bring in enough income. If this was Paul's intent he was inviting them to share in the heavenly reward for his next missionary journey. At the end of verse 7 Paul was clear that God's will trumps the plans of mere humans. This is why he would be non-committal about his plans. |
| 8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; 9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. |
The church in Ephesus was super-majority Gentile. Referring to Pentecost was not a reflection of the Ephesians keeping the Jewish tradition. It was just a way of marking the calendar. The description of the opportunity for effective service and adversaries cannot be tied to specific things in Acts as this reference is too general. However, the account in Acts has events recorded that are similar to this. |
| 10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I also am. |
This is one of the verses critics of the Bible say is a contradiction although it's a very weak argument. Paul said he had sent Timothy to them in 4:17. But here he says "if" he comes. Ean, which is Greek for "if", is sometimes translated as "when" and other translations use "when" here. Paul's word choice most likely reflects the uncertainty regarding when Timothy will arrive due to the unpredictable nature of travel at the time rather than a doubt as to Timothy actually coming. However, God's will sometimes conflicts with man's plans. And Paul always had that in mind as well. Timothy had worked with Paul for more than a year to help found the church in Corinth. It is likely that those who oppose Paul would associate Timothy with Paul in their animosity. And Paul had stated that the purpose of Timothy's visit to realign them to teaching and practice of the real gospel they were founded on. So Paul reminded them that this is the Lord's work. |
| 11 So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren. |
This is how bad things had become in the church in Corinth. Paul had concern Timothy would be mistreated because of the animosity of some towards Paul and the gospel. What is implied is a lack of church discipline as even those who know better are not standing up for what is right. Sending him away in peace means to provide for his needs for his journey when he leaves. |
| 12 But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity. |
This is the sixth time Paul has begun a section with "concerning". It appears that the Corinthians asked Paul to send Apollos. Considering the factionalism in the Corinthian church regarding Paul and Apollos, it seems unusual that Paul would urge Apollos to go to Corinth in the natural. However, Paul operated with the gospel in mind and not to his own benefit. Also Paul referred to their unity in 3:5-9. The brethren most likely refers to the three that brought the letter from Corinth, and will return with Paul's reply, as mentioned in verse 17. The Greek is ambiguous as to whose will is against Apollos going to Corinth with the brethren at that time. It could be God's will, but the context makes it more likely that it was Apollos' will and that's how most translators handle it. |
| 13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. | Paul usually ends his letters with exhortations that are appropriate for the situation of the recipient. And these four are certainly appropriate for the Corinthians. Be on guard against false teachings, be adults, and stand on the true gospel not allowing anyone to move you off of it. In other words, man up, be strong, pay attention, and stand up to what is wrong! |
| 14 Let all that you do be done in love. | There is an implied "but" to the four exhortations in verse 13. Paul was saying do them in love, as well as everything else. This is a reminder of the lesson in chapter 13. |
| 15 Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), | The object of "I urge" is verse 16. Stephanas' household were among the first converts of Paul's missionary stay in Corinth. That Paul commends them specially means more than their labors were devoted to ministry since Paul established the church there. It means they stayed true to the gospel always, including during the recent strife. |
| 16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. | In Ephesians 5:21 Paul urged that Christians be subject to one another. However, there was such a problem with false teaching in the Corinthian church that Paul was specific that they should put themselves under the household of Stephanas. Paul expands this to others who are helping with that work. This was a voluntary but necessary subordination. And it was only towards those who stayed true to scripture. |
| 17 I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. |
These three are those that have brought the letter from the Corinthian church. No details are here regarding the other two, although it is likely that they are in some way attached to the house of Stephanas. What they supplied was the communion with the Corinthian church that had been missing in Paul's life since he left. |
| 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. | Being with men of God, who walk and talk in the true gospel is a refreshing thing for both Paul and the Corinthians. Although this might be a reference to them bringing the Corinthian letter to Paul, and Paul's reply back. |
| 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. | Aquila and Prisca were Corinthians that left with Paul to evangelize Ephesus. Their house-church in Ephesus is likely the one Paul was personally attached to. |
| 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. | The holy kiss is also mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 2 Corinthians 13:12; Romans 16:16; and 1 Peter 5:14. Thus, this was a common greeting in the early church. This also appears in the Old Testament for greeting family in Genesis 27:26, friends in 1 Samuel 20:41, and for reconciliation in Genesis 33:4. However, this was a culturally appropriate greeting in secular society at that time and place. It is still appropriate in some cultures of that area today. The equivalent in western culture today is the man-hug. |
| 21 The greeting is in my own hand - Paul. | In our culture, people will pay someone to ghost write for them so it looks like they wrote it themselves. In Paul's time people would write something and put a famous person's name on it so others would read it. The apocryphal Gospel of Thomas is an example of this. Paul frequently dictated to another functioning as his secretary. It is likely that Paul took to writing at the end and signing his letters to authenticate them, as an equivalent to a government official's seal authenticating a document. |
| 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha. |
This is one last warning in Paul's own hand. All of their failings Paul has written about come down to one huge mistake, love of oneself rather than the Lord. Love of God means love of truth, love of His word, and putting Him before ourselves. Marana tha literally means "Lord come" in Greek. There is no explanation for why Paul wrote it here. It is possible that Paul was calling for the Lord to witness the anathematizing of one who does not love the Lord. But it is most likely put here as a liturgical statement as it is known to have been used that way in the churches of the time. |
| 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. | While Paul always ended with a message of grace, considering the personal attacks from this church it was a remarkable show of the proper Christian attitude. None of us deserves God's grace. And as Christ's disciples, we should give undeserved grace as well. However, giving grace to each other absolutely does not mean tolerating bad behavior or false gospels. Real grace teaches us to renounce ungodliness. And this in no way negates Paul's call for false teachers and false Christians to be put outside the fellowship until they repent. That is love, albeit tough love. |
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB © The Lockman Foundation.