1 Corinthians 16 - Closing Comments to the Corinthians!

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The Collection for the Lord’s People

Because of their location, Corinth was most likely an affluent city, which likely meant the church had ample resources. Paul outlines stewardship principles that still apply to us today. First, he teaches them to set aside money on the first day of the week, which would have been Sunday. Note that giving to one's church should be intentional and regular, in this case weekly. Second, he says to set aside a sum of money in keeping their the income. This would mean that the Corinthians would set aside a certain percentage of their income depending on their affluence. The purpose of the gift was to bring back to Jerusalem, where the church was started. Jerusalem had bigger financial needs did then churches in Corinth, Galatia, and Philippi. 

Personal Requests

Paul was going to visit the Corinthians after picking up the gift the Philippians had saved up for him. But for now he was going to stay in Ephesus, where a great door had been opened for him to spread the gospel. We see that instead of making promises, Paul left room for the Holy Spirit to direct him. He was on God's timetable and agenda not his. 

“I know the fascination of having a program, and having everything in order, and knowing where we are going; but let us leave room, at any rate, for the interference of God.” (Morgan)

Paul then paved the way for two of his closest partners in missionary work to come to Corinth. He asked them to welcome young Timothy and make him feel comfortable. We know Timothy was younger and was timid and unsure of himself. (See 1 Timothy 4:12)  Paul struggled to get the respect of the Corinthians, so he wanted to make sure it didn't happen to Timothy. 

Paul sent Apollos to them but for some reason he was unwilling to go. Notice Paul doesn't Lord it over Apollos, but allows him to make his own decisions led by God. 

Finally, Paul mentions the household of Stephanas. Notice it is the "household" not just Stephanas. They were the first converts in the area of Corinth called "Achaia". Paul asks them to submit to this household. Apparently Stephanas and his friends were a few of the faithful people who supplied Paul with what he needed. 

These were the three men who brought the questions of the Corinthian Christians to Paul. As Paul sends them back with this letter, Paul asked that they be received as devoted servants of the Lord. 

These were the three men who brought the questions of the Corinthian Christians to Paul. As Paul sends them back with this letter, Paul asked that they be received as devoted servants of the Lord. - Guzik

Final Greetings

Priscilla and Aquilla ministered to Paul when he was in Corinth the first time, and now he was with them in Ephesus, where he wrote this letter. This area he referred to as Asia. The other major church in Asia was in Galatia. 

The early church met in houses, because they had few meeting places of their own until the third century. Clarke on the church that is in their house: “That is, the company of believers who generally worshipped there. There were no churches or chapels at that time built; and the assemblies of Christians were necessarily held in private houses… The house of Philemon was of the same kind; Philemon ver. 2. So likewise was the house of Nymphas, Colossians 4:15.”

Paul wrote the personal greeting at the end with his own hand. 

Paul had a secretary write the letters as he dictated them. Often he added a personal note at the end in his own handwriting – which seemed to be poor, according to Galatians 6:11.

Paul also gives a warning to those who reject Jesus. He says to let them be "accursed". This is the same word as "anathema". It seems as if Paul is talking about those who profess to know Jesus but in no way act like it. I don't think he is talking about unbelievers. 

Then, we see this little verse "Come Lord". This is where we get the word "maranatha", which is same as saying, "Come Lord Jesus!" These words were a phrase the early church used as they longed for Jesus to return soon. 

Paul’s final words, written with his own hand, do much to reveal his heart of love, even though he had to rebuke these Corinthians strongly. It was Paul’s love, for both Jesus and His church that made him such a great apostle. Love, expressed through humble service, makes us great in the Kingdom of God.

So we have now finished the first letter to the Corinthians and tomorrow we start his second letter.