1 Corinthians
Summary
Final Contributions, Travel Plans, and Exhortations: 1 Corinthians Chapter 16 concludes Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthian church with practical matters and personal greetings. He provides instructions for the "collection for the saints," suggesting that believers set aside money on the first day of every week. Paul discusses his upcoming travel plans to visit Corinth via Macedonia and his current opportunities for ministry in Ephesus despite "many adversaries." He introduces the final section with the stirring command: "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love." The epistle ends with Paul’s signature, a warning against those who do not love the Lord, and his final apostolic blessing of grace and love.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
But if it is fitting that I go also, they shall go with me.
Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).
And it may be that I will stay, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.
For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost.
For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brothers.
Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was at all not his will to come now; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
Let all that you do be done with love.
I urge you, brothers, you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints,
that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labours with us.
I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.
For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognise such men.
The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The salutation with my own hand, Paul’s.
If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.