1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Summary
In today’s reading, Paul advised the Corinthian church on a mode for offering collection which worked for the Galatian church. They only need to plan ahead, that is, make weekly contributions. This will eliminate any rushed or un planned giving activity. He planned visiting them when he goes through Macedonia and probably spends time with them during winter. But now he’s currently in Ephesus due to an opportunity to preach the gospel in the midst of great opposition. He gave instructions that Timothy should be well taken care of before returning to him. He also commented about the house hold of Stephanas saying they are devoted people and such people should be honoured.
Paul went further to express his appreciation on sighting some of his fellow believers whose appearing refreshed him. He closed his message by informing the Corinthian church of the warm regards sent by other churches and people to them.

Life Application
Value is usually placed on people who serve. Because they make themselves useful to different people at different capacities, their relevance is usually noticed.

Personal Declaration
I submit myself to be used in the kingdom of God.

Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:1 – 24

The Collection for the Lord’s People

16 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. ² On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. ³ Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Personal Requests

⁵ After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. 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.⁷ For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. ⁸ But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, ⁹ because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

¹⁰ When Timothy comes, see to it 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. ¹¹ No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

¹² Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love.

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. I urge you, brothers and sisters, ¹⁶ to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. ¹⁷ I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ¹⁸ For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Final Greetings

¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla^[a] greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. ²⁰ All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

²¹ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

²² If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord^[b]!

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

²⁴ My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.^[c]

Footnotes:

1. 1 Corinthians 16:19 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla
2. 1 Corinthians 16:22 The Greek for Come, Lord reproduces an Aramaic expression (Marana tha) used by early Christians.
3. 1 Corinthians 16:24 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.