1 Corinthians 16
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.
The collection was for the saints – the poor saints of Jerusalem, not for Paul, or for Paul’s ministry. Paul never asked anyone, or cleverly hinted to anyone, to give him money for himself or his ministry.
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.
One was to put aside an amount that one decided. Nothing is said about a tithe or percentage over here. If tithing was the practice then Paul would have said that this is part of the tithe or not part of the tithe, wouldn’t he?
3 When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;
4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
Paul wanted everything to be above the board. So he gave them an opportunity to choose who to send the money with. He also wanted them to determine whether he should take the money himself to give to the church in Jerusalem.
5 But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
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 wanted to stay with the Corinthians for a while instead of for just a few days. But he was aware that God may have other plans. His schedule was governed by God.
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.
Paul was currently in Ephesus. There was great opportunity to minister there, but at the same time there were many adversaries.
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.
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.
Timothy was a rather timid person. Paul wanted to make sure that the tough guys in Corinth did not push him around.
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.
Paul tried to convince Apollos to visit the Corinthians, but did not demand that Apollos do what he asked.
13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
How does one ‘be alert’?
How does one ‘stand firm in the faith’?
You can’t push strong men around. I think that Paul was telling the Corinthians that they should be on the guard against people trying to change their doctrine and to firmly prevent any such thing happening in their church.
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Our labor for God should stem out of love for God and for man.
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),
16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
Paul endorsed the leadership of Stephanas in Corinth.
17 I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
Paul was willing to acknowledge that he needed refreshing of spirit from the brothers.
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The greeting is in my own hand – Paul.
Churches greet each other warmly.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.
Paul was rather strong about loving God.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Final greetings.
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