Concerning the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, Paul instructs them to set aside and store up on the first day of each week in proportion to what each has earned, so that no collections need be made when he arrives. Timothy will come to them as Paul's representative in the work of the Lord; let no one despise him but send him on his way in peace to rejoin Paul. Apollos strongly resisted coming now but will come when opportunity arises. Paul urges them to be watchful, to stand firm in the faith, to be courageous and strong, and to let all they do be done in love. The household of Stephanas has devoted themselves to the service of the saints as the firstfruits of Achaia, and Paul appeals to them to be subject to such as these and to every fellow worker and laborer. With Maranatha—our Lord, come!—Paul pronounces his benediction: the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you, and my love to all of you in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 16:12
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the other brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity — Apollos (a faction-figure in 1:12) had declined immediate travel to Corinth but Paul assured the Corinthians he will visit eventually. The delicacy suggests Paul mediates between Apollos and the church.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous and strong — the exhortation is four-fold: vigilance (grêgoreô: watch, be alert), steadfastness (stêkô: stand firm), courage (andrízō: be brave), and strength (katischyó: have power). These virtues counterbalance theological learning with moral resolve.
1 Corinthians 16:14
Do everything in love — the summum bonum: all the Corinthians' actions (everything, panta) must be animated by agapê (love). This echoes 13:4-7; love is the supreme measure of authentic apostolic life.
1 Corinthians 16:15
You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord's people — Stephanas's house is recognized as aparchê (firstfruits) of Achaia, honored for prioritizing service (diákonos) to the saints. Their commitment is exemplary.
1 Corinthians 16:16
I urge you to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it — Paul exhorts the Corinthians to subordinate themselves (hypotássō: to arrange under) to those who labor sacrificially. This is not authoritarian hierarchy but recognition of Spirit-empowered service.
1 Corinthians 16:17
I am glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you — these three have brought Corinthian communication to Paul, filling a gap (hysterêma: deficiency) in information and relationship. Their presence gladdens Paul.
1 Corinthians 16:18
For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such people deserve recognition — Stephanas and companions have anapsyxis (refreshed, restored spirit) to Paul and by proxy to the Corinthians. Their service merits honor and commendation.
1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house — Paul relays salutations from Asian churches and specifically from Aquila and Priscilla, tent-making tentmakers and Paul's co-workers (Acts 18:2-3). The church meeting in their house marks them as house-church leaders.
1 Corinthians 16:1
Now about the collection for the Lord's people: Do what I told the Galatians to do — Paul addresses the collection for Jerusalem believers (the 'Lord's people'—likely Jewish Christians). He has already instructed Galatia similarly, establishing consistency across churches.
1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, laying it aside at home — the protocol: weekly giving (en tê hemeíâ ton kyriakoú—literally 'on the day of the Lord,' Sunday, marking Christian worship's separation from Jewish Sabbath) according to prosper (kathopoiéítai, as success comes). Home-storage suggests accumulation before transmission.
1 Corinthians 16:3
When I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem — Paul will facilitate the transfer through approved messengers (dokimastoi: approved, tested). Letters of introduction validate bearers and ensure accountability.
1 Corinthians 16:4
If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me — Paul leaves open the possibility of his own accompaniment, dependent on circumstances. The collection serves both charitable and diplomatic purposes (maintaining Jewish-Gentile church solidarity).
1 Corinthians 16:5
After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia — Paul outlines travel plans: northward through Macedonia first, then to Corinth. His movements follow missionary strategy.
1 Corinthians 16:6
Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go — Paul anticipates extended presence and requests material support for ongoing travel. Winter travel was difficult; hospitality becomes crucial.
1 Corinthians 16:7
I do not want to see you now and then move on; I am hoping to spend considerable time with you, if the Lord permits — Paul's desire is sustained, intimate apostolic ministry, not brief visit. The conditional 'if the Lord permits' acknowledges divine sovereignty over plans.
1 Corinthians 16:8
But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost — Paul specifies his current location (Ephesus) and duration of stay. Pentecost marks the liturgical calendar; he delays departure until after this Christian feast.
1 Corinthians 16:9
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me — the paradox of apostolic opportunity: open door (thyra) and abundant opposition (antikeímenoi) coexist. The hostility does not deter but characterizes fruitful ministry.
1 Corinthians 16:10
When Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am — Paul commends Timothy, his emissary and co-laborer (synérgos: fellow-worker). The Corinthians should receive Timothy with honor and security; he represents Paul's apostolic authority.
1 Corinthians 16:11
No one, then, should refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers — Timothy's mission requires the church's support and safe passage. His return to Paul suggests Timothy will report on Corinthian responses.
1 Corinthians 16:20
All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss — Paul's traveling companions extend greetings; he instructs the Corinthians to greet each other with a holy kiss (phílêma hagion), marking Christian community as familial and sanctified.
1 Corinthians 16:21
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand — Paul authenticates the letter's closing by his handwriting. The signature (whether actual or metaphorical) guarantees apostolic authority and marks the letter as genuinely from Paul.
1 Corinthians 16:22
If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord! — Paul pronounces curse (anáthema, a binding judgment or excommunication) against those who do not love (agapáô) the Lord. The Aramaic cry 'maranatha' (maran atha: 'Our Lord, come!') expresses eager eschatological expectation. Love for Christ and desire for his return are the marks of true faith.
1 Corinthians 16:23
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. — Paul's final benediction invokes charis (grace) through Christ. This is the simplest Pauline blessing, emphasizing Christ's grace as sustaining power.
1 Corinthians 16:24
My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. — Paul concludes with personal affection: his agapê (love) embraces all the Corinthians, united in Christ. Despite the letter's severity, pastoral love is paramount.