In 1 Corinthians Chapter 16, Paul brings his letter to a close with practical instructions and personal greetings. He begins by addressing the collection being gathered for the believers in Jerusalem, instructing the Corinthians to set aside money regularly so that the offering would be ready when he arrived. This shows Paul’s concern for supporting the wider church and fostering unity among believers across different regions.
Paul then shares his travel plans, explaining his intention to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia, and possibly staying for some time. He commends Timothy to the church, urging them to treat him with respect, and mentions Apollos as well, showing his desire for cooperation among those serving the church. Paul also acknowledges the household of Stephanas for their faithful service and urges the Corinthians to be submissive to such devoted workers. The letter concludes with final exhortations to stand firm in the faith, act with love, and remain strong, followed by personal greetings and a closing benediction of grace for the church.
Chapter 16 (BBE)
1 Now about the giving of money for the saints, as I gave orders to the churches of Galatia, so do you.
2 On the first day of the week, let every one of you put by him in store, in measure as he has done well in business, so that it may not be necessary to get money together when I come.
3 And when I come, I will send the men of your selection with letters to take the money you have got together to Jerusalem.
4 And if it is possible for me to go there, they will go with me.
5 But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia, for that is my purpose;
6 But I may be with you for a time, or even for the winter, so that you may see me on my way, wherever I go.
7 For it is not my desire to see you now, on my way; because it is my hope to be with you for some time, if that is the Lord’s pleasure.
9 For a great and important door there is open to me, and there are a number of people against me.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear; because he is doing the Lord’s work, even as I am:
11 See then that he has the honour which is right. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me: for I am looking for him with the brothers.
12 But as for Apollos, the brother, I had a great desire for him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not his pleasure to come now; but he will come when he has a chance.
13 Be on the watch, unmoved in the faith, and be strong like men.
15 Now I make my request to you, my brothers, for you have knowledge that the house of Stephanas is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have made themselves the servants of the saints,
16 That you put yourselves under such, and under everyone who is helping the Lord’s work.
17 And I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for they have done what was needed to make your work complete.
18 For they gave comfort to my spirit and to yours: for which cause give respect to such people.
19 The churches of Asia send their love to you. So do Aquila and Prisca, with the church which is in their house.
20 All the brothers send their love to you. Give one another a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, send you these words of love in my writing.
22 If any man has not love for the Lord, let him be cursed. Maran atha (our Lord comes).
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. So be it.
Important Verses
Verse 2 Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside money on the first day of the week in preparation for the collection.
Verse 9 He describes an open door for effective ministry, though acknowledging the presence of many adversaries.
Verse 13 Paul urges the church to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, and be strong.
Verse 14 He instructs that everything they do should be done with love.
Verse 23 Paul closes the letter with a blessing of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ upon the church.
