New Testament

1 Corinthians 16

Collection, Travel Plans, and Farewell

7 passages

Overview

Paul gives practical, ordered instructions for the Jerusalem collection, shares his apostolic itinerary, commends Timothy and accounts for Apollos's absence, exhorts the community to watchfulness and love, honors the household of Stephanas along with the delegates Fortunatus and Achaicus, conveys greetings from the churches of Asia and from Aquila and Priscilla, and seals the letter in his own hand with a solemn anathema, the ancient prayer "Maranatha," and a blessing of grace.

Passages

1–4Ordered Generosity: The Collection for Jerusalem 5–9An Open Door and Many Adversaries: Paul's Apostolic Itinerary 10–12Servants Sent and Free: The Ordering of Apostolic Co-Workers 13–14Watch, Stand, Act in Love 15–18The First Fruits of Service: Honoring Christ's Laborers 19–20Greetings from the Wider Church 21–24The Seal of the Apostle: Anathema, Maranatha, and the Kiss of Grace

Study Resources

1 Corinthians 16

¹Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. ²On the first day of every week, let each one of you save as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come. ³When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. ⁴If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.

⁵I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. ⁶But with you it may be that I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go. ⁷For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. ⁸But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, ⁹for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

¹⁰Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. ¹¹Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.

¹²Now concerning Apollos the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.

¹³Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! ¹⁴Let all that you do be done in love.

¹⁵Now I beg you, brothers—you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints— ¹⁶that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. ¹⁷I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. ¹⁸For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

¹⁹The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house. ²⁰All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

²¹This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. ²²If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord! ²³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. ²⁴My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

1 Corinthians 15