Collection
1 Cor 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
These were extra collections to help the persecuted church in Jerusalem. There were many widows there in need.
1 Cor 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Paul asked for the collections to be made on Sunday. No given amount, but as God has prospered give. Paul wanted each to decide how much to give before he came. He did not want to be involved in persuading or gathering money from the people.
This sunday offering is in part responsible for the tradition of the church meeting on Sunday instead of the sabbath; Friday sundown to Saturday at sundown, as commanded in the law.If I were Jewish I might consider the Saturday meeting time. This was a Jewish covenant. Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath. In him is grace and rest for every day.
1 Cor 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
Paul did not want to be the one to hold the money. Representatives of the giving churches would deliver the offering to Jerusalem. Money and its use is a big offense to some. The unbeliever points the finger at greedy preachers always asking for money on TV and other places. Paul wanted no appearance of greed.
1 Cor 16:4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
1 Cor 16:5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
1 Cor 16:6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
1 Cor 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
1 Cor 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
1 Cor 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Paul had plans of his own, yet he came to Corinth sooner then planned to confront them in some areas. Paul recognizes that God had given opportunity now in Ephesus; Paul was a wise man to rely not only on his own desires, but God's open doors. Yet opportunities often meet with opposition.(read Acts 19)
We make plans but better we look for open doors of opportunities. My friends the Osborns felt the call to missions. They thought it was to be to Japan, but that door was closed Another opportunity came to teach in a school in Kenya Africa. In his spare time he would minister in the villages until he was able to minister full time. As a result hundreds have been saved. There are 10 established churches, a college in the making and plans for an orphanage. God blessed them as they reached out in service to him. If you dedicate your life to Jesus, he will direct your paths. All things are blessed by him.
Stand Fast
1 Cor 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Timothy apparently suffered from both a lack of boldness and a lack of respect. Young people often look for approval and are looking for their own identity. What better place to look then the word of God? Paul writes Timothy words of advice;
1 Tim 4:11 These things command and teach.
1 Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Tim 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
1 Tim 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
1 Tim 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Paul considered Timothy as a dear son in the faith. A father encourages his children to go forward in the things of God, following his own example. We are someones teacher, by word or deed, others are watching us. If we stumble, get up for we live in the eternal strength of Jesus our Lord.
1 Cor 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
Youth should not be despised. Has not our Lord spoken that we are to be as children in acceptance of his word? Faith is important and knowing our position as children of the most high God. Each are gifted uniquely for his service. Do not forget that we are bought with a price, we are not our own.
1 Cor 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Give your all to Jesus now. Don't wait until you are old, but really we never get old in Christ, just older.
1 Cor 16:12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Pauls friend Apollos was not ordered around by Paul. Apollos will was not to come at this time. Do you know that the Holy Spirit will not demand His own way? We must submit our will to him. This is an area we must learn, to put God first. We make mistakes at times when we act on our own will, but we are free to choose. This is true of Christianity. Other religions and cults keep you in bondage but in Christ we are free.
Who was Apollos?
Acts 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Acts 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Acts 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Acts 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
The Corinthians wanted to make gods of Paul and Apollos;
1 Cor 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1 Cor 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
No, all work in unity serving our Lord.
1 Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
1 Cor 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.
Our business is to be saving souls by the power of Jesus Christ and his finished work. We are not to be careless with our lives because God is watching, others depend on us and the world is watching us. The devil is looking to take us down, so be watchful, be careful, be aware of things around you and of the spiritual world. Hold firmly to the faith of Jesus Christ. Know the Bible and know what you believe. Beware of false teachers and beware of your own thoughts. Conform your minds to the word of truth. Be strong in faith, be courageous to speak and to write what is good and edifying. Do everything by the power of God's word and Spirit with his love being seen in you.
Addicted
1 Cor 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
Paul had earlier baptized the house of Stephanus; the firstfruits of the region of Achaia next to Macedonia.
1 Cor 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
1 Cor 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
1 Cor 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
They were addicted to the ministry of the saints. Most addictions we hear of are of the flesh, they were addicted to service. I have seen T shirts with the slogan "Addicted to Jesus", these are good addictions.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Cor 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
1 Cor 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
1 Cor 16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
Paul does not leave out any who were of service with him. Jesus earlier spoke of rewards for service;
Mat 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Mat 10:41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
Mat 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Every act of service for Jesus is rewarded.
Anathema
1 Cor 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Who are these people? They had a home church.
Remember that they helped Apollos understand the gospel more perfectly. They were also tentmakers as was Paul, to earn his way.
Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
We witness to others in our work on their free time. I remember Patrick, a Daily Bible reader who left copies at work at the lunch room. From this he led many to Jesus and started two Bible studies. Pray for him as he has left his work to care for his ailing mother.
1 Cor 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
This was a greeting at that time and restricted to people of the same gender. The men didn't kiss the women...We usually shake hands, and the women hug now, in our time. I only hug another woman if hugged first, usually it is a younger person, or a family member.
1 Cor 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
Paul wrote in his own handwriting a greeting. It is believed that his eyesight was poor ( Gal 6:11) He had another write as he spoke.
1 Cor 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Anathema is a heavy curse, a belonging to satan. Maranatha means the Lord is coming soon.
No time to play cat and mouse with the faith. You love Christ,or you belong to Satan, better decide, Jesus is coming soon, then it will be too late. If you are converted, you are his. For you have been made a Spiritual being, in Christ Jesus.
Lord move in the lives of those on the fence, not living a life of faith in you. May they fall into your caring arms...In Jesus name, amen.
Grace and Love
1 Cor 16:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Paul began his epistle with a blessing of grace and peace;
1 Cor 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
From beginning to end we are kept by the grace of God.
John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Grace is God's favor at Christ's expense. Grace for salvation, saving us from our sins and grace for living. Grace to overcome satan and grace to overcome our old flesh nature.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Grace is not a "me" thing, but a "God" thing through His Son Jesus
1 Cor 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
It is a good thing to know we are loved by another. By someone who only wants God's grace and peace for us. Paul had this kind of love. It is the love I have for those I have helped receive Gods grace. It comes from God. We love him back and love one another.
1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Let's look back at my favorite highlights from each chapter.
Highlights from 1 Corinthians
1 Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Cor 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1 Cor 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1 Cor 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Cor 7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
1 Cor 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
1 Cor 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Cor 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.
1 Cor 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1 Cor 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Cor 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1 Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1 Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Gary
1 Corinthians Chapters
1 Corinthians 15
1 Corinthians 1 Index
Eaglewings Index