Note: Words are shown in their original Greek order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:
2On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
11No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.
μή τις οὖν αὐτὸν ἐξουθενήσῃ προπέμψατε δὲ αὐτὸν ἐν εἰρήνῃ ἵνα ἔλθῃ πρός με ἐκδέχομαι γὰρ αὐτὸν μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν
12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
15You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers,
19The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
1 Corinthians 16 concludes Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church with practical matters of Christian fellowship, financial generosity, and pastoral encouragement. The chapter addresses the collection for impoverished believers in Jerusalem, Paul's travel plans, the commendation of faithful workers like Timothy, and final greetings—demonstrating that the Christian life encompasses both doctrine and daily conduct. These closing instructions reveal Paul's heart for unity, stewardship, and the mutual care that should characterize the body of Christ.
Paul opens with instructions regarding a charitable collection for struggling believers in Jerusalem. He had already directed the Galatian churches similarly (verse 1), and now applies the same principle to Corinth. Verse 2 establishes a beautiful pattern: on the first day of the week—the Lord's Day—each believer should set aside a gift proportional to God's blessing. This is not a burden imposed from outside but a joyful response to divine grace. The phrase "as God hath prospered him" reminds us that generosity flows from gratitude for what the Lord has provided.
Verses 3–4 show Paul's wisdom in church governance: the Corinthians themselves will choose trusted messengers to carry the offering to Jerusalem, ensuring integrity and accountability. Paul himself may accompany them if circumstances warrant. This teaches us that Christian giving should be transparent, guided by wise leaders, and motivated by genuine compassion for those in need.
Paul shares his itinerary with pastoral warmth. He plans to travel through Macedonia and then visit Corinth (verses 5–6), hoping to spend extended time with them and be refreshed by their fellowship. Verse 7 adds an important caveat: "if the Lord permit." This reflects Paul's submission to God's sovereignty—a vital principle for all our planning. We make plans, but ultimately God directs our steps.
For now, however, verse 8 explains that Paul will remain at Ephesus until Pentecost. Verse 9 reveals his reason: a significant ministry opportunity has opened, though it is accompanied by fierce opposition ("many adversaries"). This is instructive for us: kingdom work often involves both open doors and real resistance. Paul's steadfastness in the face of opposition demonstrates the courage that comes from trusting Christ.
Verses 10–11 exhort the Corinthians to receive Timothy with respect and encouragement. Timothy is doing the Lord's work just as Paul is, yet young leaders sometimes face dismissal or disrespect. Paul's words protect Timothy's ministry and remind the church to honor those who labor faithfully, regardless of age or prominence.
Verse 12 mentions Apollos, an able teacher whom Paul had desired to send but who declined at this time. Notably, Paul respects Apollos's decision and holds no resentment. This shows Christian maturity: unity in the body does not require everyone to serve in the same place or way.
Verse 13 contains a rallying cry—"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong"—calling believers to vigilance, steadfastness, courage, and strength. Verse 14 anchors all these virtues in charity (agapē in Greek), divine love. Without love, discipline becomes legalism.
Paul commends the household of Stephanas as the "firstfruits of Achaia" and notes their devoted service. He urges the church to submit to such leaders and acknowledge their contribution (verses 15–16). Verses 17–18 express gratitude for the encouragement Stephanas and his companions have brought both to Paul and the church.
The letter closes with warm greetings from churches and believers across Asia, including Aquila and Priscilla. Verse 20 calls for a "holy kiss," a sign of genuine Christian affection. Verses 21–22 show Paul's personal signature and a solemn warning: those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ are under divine judgment. Finally, verses 23–24 pronounce grace and love in Christ—the true foundation of all Christian community.
Application for Today
This chapter teaches us that faithfulness includes the mundane: giving regularly and proportionally, honoring leaders, respecting one another's callings, and stewarding our time in submission to God. Let us cultivate genuine love for Christ and His church, giving generously, supporting faithful workers, and remembering always that our plans must bow to the Lord's perfect will.
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 16
7 sections1 Corinthians 16 concludes Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church with practical matters of Christian fellowship, financial generosity, and pastoral encouragement. The chapter addresses the collection for impoverished believers in Jerusalem, Paul's travel plans, the commendation of faithful workers like Timothy, and final greetings—demonstrating that the Christian life encompasses both doctrine and daily conduct. These closing instructions reveal Paul's heart for unity, stewardship, and the mutual care that should characterize the body of Christ.
Paul opens with instructions regarding a charitable collection for struggling believers in Jerusalem. He had already directed the Galatian churches similarly (verse 1), and now applies the same principle to Corinth. Verse 2 establishes a beautiful pattern: on the first day of the week—the Lord's Day—each believer should set aside a gift proportional to God's blessing. This is not a burden imposed from outside but a joyful response to divine grace. The phrase "as God hath prospered him" reminds us that generosity flows from gratitude for what the Lord has provided.
Verses 3–4 show Paul's wisdom in church governance: the Corinthians themselves will choose trusted messengers to carry the offering to Jerusalem, ensuring integrity and accountability. Paul himself may accompany them if circumstances warrant. This teaches us that Christian giving should be transparent, guided by wise leaders, and motivated by genuine compassion for those in need.
Paul shares his itinerary with pastoral warmth. He plans to travel through Macedonia and then visit Corinth (verses 5–6), hoping to spend extended time with them and be refreshed by their fellowship. Verse 7 adds an important caveat: "if the Lord permit." This reflects Paul's submission to God's sovereignty—a vital principle for all our planning. We make plans, but ultimately God directs our steps.
For now, however, verse 8 explains that Paul will remain at Ephesus until Pentecost. Verse 9 reveals his reason: a significant ministry opportunity has opened, though it is accompanied by fierce opposition ("many adversaries"). This is instructive for us: kingdom work often involves both open doors and real resistance. Paul's steadfastness in the face of opposition demonstrates the courage that comes from trusting Christ.
Verses 10–11 exhort the Corinthians to receive Timothy with respect and encouragement. Timothy is doing the Lord's work just as Paul is, yet young leaders sometimes face dismissal or disrespect. Paul's words protect Timothy's ministry and remind the church to honor those who labor faithfully, regardless of age or prominence.
Verse 12 mentions Apollos, an able teacher whom Paul had desired to send but who declined at this time. Notably, Paul respects Apollos's decision and holds no resentment. This shows Christian maturity: unity in the body does not require everyone to serve in the same place or way.
Verse 13 contains a rallying cry—"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong"—calling believers to vigilance, steadfastness, courage, and strength. Verse 14 anchors all these virtues in charity (agapē in Greek), divine love. Without love, discipline becomes legalism.
Paul commends the household of Stephanas as the "firstfruits of Achaia" and notes their devoted service. He urges the church to submit to such leaders and acknowledge their contribution (verses 15–16). Verses 17–18 express gratitude for the encouragement Stephanas and his companions have brought both to Paul and the church.
The letter closes with warm greetings from churches and believers across Asia, including Aquila and Priscilla. Verse 20 calls for a "holy kiss," a sign of genuine Christian affection. Verses 21–22 show Paul's personal signature and a solemn warning: those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ are under divine judgment. Finally, verses 23–24 pronounce grace and love in Christ—the true foundation of all Christian community.
This chapter teaches us that faithfulness includes the mundane: giving regularly and proportionally, honoring leaders, respecting one another's callings, and stewarding our time in submission to God. Let us cultivate genuine love for Christ and His church, giving generously, supporting faithful workers, and remembering always that our plans must bow to the Lord's perfect will.