TG
Everything TrueGospel offers, in one place.

Study

Bible Reader Scripture Search Word Study & Lexicon Bible Study Builder Reading Plans Verse Chains

Reference

The Reference Library Topical Index

Learn

True Gospel Institute

Grow & Share

Blog Q&A Sermon Notes Bible Studies Podcast

Community

Community Student Dashboard

About

About Us Support Us Contact Log In Create Free Account
BSB
← Prev Next →

1 Corinthians 16

BSB·24 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → aboutΠερὶPeri — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → collectionλογείας*logeias — collection; monetary gathering for charitable purposesG3048 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → saintsἁγίουςhagious — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study →, youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → are to doποιήσατεpoiēsate — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → asὥσπερhōsper — just as, even as, in the same way asG5618 — Full Word Study → I directedδιέταξαdietaxa — to arrange, order, command, appointG1299 — Full Word Study → theταῖςtais — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchesἐκκλησίαιςekklēsiais — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → of GalatiaΓαλατίαςGalatias — Region in Asia MinorG1053 — Full Word Study →: 2On the first day of everyκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → weekσαββάτουsabbatou — The seventh day of restG4521 — Full Word Study →, eachἕκαστοςhekastos — eachG1538 — Full Word Study → of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → should setτιθέτωtithetō — To place, set, or lay downG5087 — Full Word Study → asideπαρ’par’ — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → a portionἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → of his incomeεὐοδῶταιeuodōtai — to prosper, to succeed, to have a prosperous journeyG2137 — Full Word Study →, saving it upθησαυρίζωνthēsaurizōn — to store up, accumulate, treasureG2343 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → whenὅτανhotan — whenever, at the time when, as soon asG3752 — Full Word Study → I comeἔλθωelthō — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → noμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → collectionsλογεῖαι*logeiai — collection; monetary gathering for charitable purposesG3048 — Full Word Study → will be neededγίνωνταιginōntai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study →. 3Thenδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study →, on my arrivalπαραγένωμαιparagenōmai — to arrive, come, or be presentG3854 — Full Word Study →, I will sendπέμψωpempsō — To send forth; to dispatch someone on a missionG3992 — Full Word Study → lettersἐπιστολῶνepistolōn — written letter or epistleG1992 — Full Word Study → withδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → thoseτούτουςtoutous — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → you recommendδοκιμάσητεdokimasēte — To test, examine, or approve after scrutinyG1381 — Full Word Study → to carryἀπενεγκεῖνapenenkein — to carry away or remove by forceG667 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → giftχάρινcharin — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → JerusalemἸερουσαλήμIerousalēm — Holy City of GodG2419 — Full Word Study →. 4Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → it isē — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → advisableἄξιονaxion — worthy, deserving, fittingG514 — Full Word Study → forτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → meκἀμὲkame — And I; I also; even IG2504 — Full Word Study → to go also, they can travelπορεύσονταιporeusontai — To go, travel, or journeyG4198 — Full Word Study → withσὺνsyn — with, together with, alongsideG4862 — Full Word Study → meἐμοὶemoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 5Afterὅτανhotan — whenever, at the time when, as soon asG3752 — Full Word Study → I go throughδιέλθωdielthō — to pass through, traverse, journey acrossG1330 — Full Word Study → MacedoniaΜακεδονίανMakedonian — Northern Greek regionG3109 — Full Word Study →, howeverδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study →, I will comeἘλεύσομαιEleusomai — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →; forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I will be going throughδιέρχομαιdierchomai — to pass through, traverse, journey acrossG1330 — Full Word Study → MacedoniaΜακεδονίανMakedonian — Northern Greek regionG3109 — Full Word Study →. 6Perhapsτυχὸνtychon — To obtain, happen, or chance upon; to experience or enjoyG5177 — Full Word Study → I will stayπαραμενῶ*paramenō — to remain beside, stay with, persist inG3887 — Full Word Study → withπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → you awhile, orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → evenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → spend the winterπαραχειμάσωparacheimasō — to spend the winter; to winterG3914 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → can helpπροπέμψητεpropempsēte — To send forward, escort, or help on one's wayG4311 — Full Word Study → me on my journey, whereverοὗhou — where, whither, to which placeG3757 — Full Word Study → I goπορεύωμαιporeuōmai — To go, travel, or journeyG4198 — Full Word Study →. 7Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I do not wantθέλωthelō — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → to seeἰδεῖνidein — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → nowἄρτιarti — now, at this present momentG737 — Full Word Study → only in passingπαρόδῳparodō — passing by, passing throughG3938 — Full Word Study →; I hopeἐλπίζωelpizō — To hope for, expect, or trust inG1679 — Full Word Study → to spendἐπιμεῖναιepimeinai — To remain, continue, or persist inG1961 — Full Word Study → someτινὰtina — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → timeχρόνονchronon — A period of time; duration or seasonG5550 — Full Word Study → withπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → permitsἐπιτρέψῃepitrepsē — to permit, allow, or grant permissionG2010 — Full Word Study →. 8Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → I will stayἐπιμενῶepimenō — To remain, continue, or persist inG1961 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → EphesusἘφέσῳEphesō — Major port city in Asia MinorG2181 — Full Word Study → untilἕωςheōs — until; up to a point in time or spaceG2193 — Full Word Study → PentecostΠεντηκοστῆςPentēkostēs — Fiftieth Day FestivalG4005 — Full Word Study →, 9becauseγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → a greatμεγάληmegalē — Great in size, power, or intensityG3173 — Full Word Study → doorθύραthyra — door, gateway, entranceG2374 — Full Word Study → for effective work has openedἀνέῳγενaneōgen — to open, to uncloseG455 — Full Word Study → to meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, even thoughκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → manyπολλοίpolloi — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → oppose me. 10IfἘὰνEan — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → TimothyΤιμόθεοςTimotheos — Honoring GodG5095 — Full Word Study → comesἔλθῃelthē — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study →, see to itβλέπετεblepete — to see, look at, perceive, bewareG991 — Full Word Study → thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → he hasγένηταιgenētai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → nothing to fearἀφόβωςaphobōs — boldly, without fear, fearlesslyG870 — Full Word Study → while he is with youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → he is doingἐργάζεταιergazetai — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → workἔργονergon — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study → of the Lord, just asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → I amκἀγώkagō — And I; I also; even IG2504 — Full Word Study →. 11Noμήmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → oneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study →, thenοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study →, should treat him with contemptἐξουθενήσῃexouthenēsē — to despise, treat with contempt, reject as worthlessG1848 — Full Word Study →. Sendπροπέμψατεpropempsate — To send forward, escort, or help on one's wayG4311 — Full Word Study → him on his way inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → peaceεἰρήνῃeirēnē — Peace; absence of conflict; inner tranquilityG1515 — Full Word Study → so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → he can returnἔλθῃelthē — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toπρόςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → meμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I am expectingἐκδέχομαιekdechomai — to wait for, await, expectG1551 — Full Word Study → himαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → along withμετὰmeta — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → brothersἀδελφῶνadelphōn — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →. 12Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → aboutΠερὶPeri — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → our brotherἀδελφοῦadelphou — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study → ApollosἈπολλῶApollō — Mighty man; destroyerG625 — Full Word Study →: I strongly urgedπαρεκάλεσαparekalesa — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → himαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → goἔλθῃelthē — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → withμετὰmeta — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → brothersἀδελφῶνadelphōn — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →. He wasἦνēn — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → at allπάντωςpantōs — Certainly, surely, by all means, absolutelyG3843 — Full Word Study → inclinedθέλημαthelēma — will, desire, purpose, wishG2307 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → goἔλθῃelthē — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → nowνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → he will goἐλεύσεταιeleusetai — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → whenὅτανhotan — whenever, at the time when, as soon asG3752 — Full Word Study → he has the opportunityεὐκαιρήσῃeukairēsē — to have leisure; to find opportunityG2119 — Full Word Study →. 13Be on the alertΓρηγορεῖτεGrēgoreite — To keep watch; to remain vigilant and alertG1127 — Full Word Study →. Stand firmστήκετεstēkete — to stand firm; to remain steadfastG4739 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστειpistei — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →. Be men of courageἀνδρίζεσθεandrizesthe — To act like a man; to be courageous or braveG407 — Full Word Study →. Be strongκραταιοῦσθεkrataiousthe — to strengthen, make strong, empowerG2901 — Full Word Study →. 14Doγινέσθωginesthō — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → everythingπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπῃagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →. 15You knowοἴδατεoidate — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → StephanasΣτεφανᾶStephana — Crown or wreathG4734 — Full Word Study → and his householdοἰκίανoikian — A house or household; a dwelling placeG3614 — Full Word Study → wereἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → the first converts in AchaiaἈχαΐαςAchaias — Southern Greece regionG882 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → they have devotedἔταξανetaxan — to appoint, assign, or ordainG5021 — Full Word Study → themselvesἑαυτούςheautous — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → to theεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → serviceδιακονίανdiakonian — Service, ministry, or officeG1248 — Full Word Study → of theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → saintsἁγίοιςhagiois — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study →. Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → I urgeΠαρακαλῶParakalō — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, 16toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → submitὑποτάσσησθεhypotassēsthe — to subject, submit, or subordinate oneselfG5293 — Full Word Study → to such as theseτοιούτοιςtoioutois — such, of this kind, like thisG5108 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → to everyπαντὶpanti — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → fellow workerσυνεργοῦντιsynergounti — to work together with; to cooperateG4903 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → laborerκοπιῶντιkopiōnti — to labor, toil, or work hard; to exert oneselfG2872 — Full Word Study →. 17I am glad thatΧαίρωChairō — To rejoice, be glad, or greet with joyG5463 — Full Word Study → StephanasΣτεφανᾶStephana — Crown or wreathG4734 — Full Word Study →, FortunatusΦορτουνάτουPhortounatou — The Fortunate OneG5415 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → AchaicusἈχαϊκοῦAchaikou — Of AchaiaG883 — Full Word Study → have arrivedπαρουσίᾳparousia — Physical arrival or presence of a personG3952 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → theyοὗτοιhoutoi — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → have suppliedἀνεπλήρωσανaneplērōsan — to fill up, complete, or make fullG378 — Full Word Study → whatτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → was lackingὑστέρημαhysterēma — lack, deficiency, shortage, wantG5303 — Full Word Study → from youὑμέτερονhymeteron — your own; belonging to youG5212 — Full Word Study →. 18Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → they refreshedἀνέπαυσανanepausan — to give rest, refresh, or cause to ceaseG373 — Full Word Study → myἐμὸνemon — my, mine, belonging to meG1699 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεῦμαpneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → yours as well. Show your appreciationἐπιγινώσκετεepiginōskete — to come to know, recognize, perceive fullyG1921 — Full Word Study →, thereforeοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study →, to such menτοιούτουςtoioutous — such, of this kind, like thisG5108 — Full Word Study →. 19Theαἱhai — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchesἐκκλησίαιekklēsiai — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → in the province of Asia send you greetingsἈσπάζονταιAspazontai — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study →. AquilaἈκύλαςAkylas — EagleG207 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → PriscaΠρίσκαPriska — Ancient, worthyG4251 — Full Word Study → greetἈσπάζεταιAspazetai — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → warmlyπολλὰpolla — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Lord, and so doesσὺνsyn — with, together with, alongsideG4862 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίᾳekklēsia — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → that meets at theirαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → houseοἶκονoikon — A dwelling place; house or householdG3624 — Full Word Study →. 20Allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → brothers here send you greetingsἈσπάζονταιAspazontai — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study →. GreetἈσπάσασθεAspasasthe — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλουςallēlous — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study → withἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → a holyἁγίῳhagiō — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study → kissφιλήματιphilēmati — A kiss; greeting or affection by mouth contactG5370 — Full Word Study →. 21ThisHo — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → greetingἀσπασμὸςaspasmos — A greeting or salutation; an expression of goodwillG783 — Full Word Study → is in my ownἐμῇemē — my, mine, belonging to meG1699 — Full Word Study → handχειρὶcheiri — hand; power, authority, or controlG5495 — Full Word Study →PaulΠαύλουPaulou — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study →. 22IfΕἴEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → does not loveφιλεῖphilei — to kiss; to love affectionatelyG5368 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριονKyrion — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study →, let him beἤτωētō — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → under a curseἀνάθεμαanathema — Accursed; set apart for destruction or divine judgmentG331 — Full Word Study →. ComeΜαράνα*Marana — Come, Lord! (Aramaic exclamation)G3134 — Full Word Study →, O Lordθά*tha — Come, Lord! (Aramaic exclamation)G3134 — Full Word Study →! 23TheHē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → graceχάριςcharis — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → be with youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 24Myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → be with allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study →. Amen⧼Ἀμήν⧽Amēn — Truly, so be it, affirmation of truthG281 — Full Word Study →.
Scripture Explorer
Original Language
Notes & Doctrine
Chapter Commentary
Cross-Refs
Highlight
My Note
Original Hebrew / Greek
Loading…
Translation Notes & Doctrine — This Verse
Loading…
Chapter Commentary — 1 Corinthians 16
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

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.

Verses 1–4: The Collection for Jerusalem Saints

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.

Verses 5–9: Paul's Travel Plans

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 10–12: Commending Timothy and Apollos

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.

Verses 13–14: A Stirring Exhortation

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.

Verses 15–18: Honoring Faithful Workers

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.

Verses 19–24: Greetings and Final Blessing

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.

Cross References
Loading…
Highlight This Verse
My Note