1 Corinthians 16


1 Corinthians 16 concludes Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, focusing on practical instructions for Christian living, church unity, and support for the broader Christian community. Written around AD 55 from Ephesus, this chapter addresses financial collections, travel plans, personal exhortations, and final greetings. It emphasizes stewardship, perseverance, and love in the body of Christ.
Key Sections
The Collection for Jerusalem (16:1–4): Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside money weekly for the Jerusalem church’s needs, mirroring instructions given to Galatian churches. The collection should be orderly, proportional to income, and ready when Paul arrives to send it with approved representatives.
Paul’s Travel Plans (16:5–9): Paul plans to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia, intending to stay for some time, possibly over winter, to strengthen the church. He mentions a “wide door” for effective ministry in Ephesus but notes opposition.
Instructions About Timothy and Apollos (16:10–12): Paul urges the Corinthians to welcome Timothy, ensuring he feels safe and supported in his ministry. He notes Apollos’s reluctance to visit now, despite Paul’s encouragement, but Apollos will come when able.
Final Exhortations (16:13–14): Paul calls the Corinthians to be watchful, stand firm in faith, be courageous, and act in love—core virtues for Christian maturity and unity.
Commendation of Stephanas and Others (16:15–18): Paul praises Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus for their service and refreshing presence, urging the church to honor such leaders.
Greetings and Benediction (16:19–24): Paul conveys greetings from Aquila, Prisca, and Asian churches, urging mutual greetings with a holy kiss. He adds a personal note, cursing those who do not love the Lord, and closes with a prayer for Christ’s return (“Maranatha”) and a blessing of grace and love.
Cross-References
  • Collection for Jerusalem:
    • Galatians 2:10: Support the poor.
    • Romans 15:25–27: Gentiles share material blessings.
    • Acts 24:17: Paul’s aid to Jerusalem.
  • Paul’s Travel Plans:
    • Acts 19:21: Paul’s intent to visit Rome via Corinth.
    • 2 Corinthians 1:15–16: Plans to visit Corinth twice.
  • Timothy and Apollos:
    • Acts 19:22: Timothy sent to Macedonia.
    • 1 Corinthians 3:6: Apollos’s role in Corinth.
    • Philippians 2:19–23: Timothy’s faithful service.
  • Exhortations and Unity:
    • Ephesians 6:10: Be strong in the Lord.
    • 1 Peter 4:8: Love covers sins.
    • Philippians 1:27: Stand firm in one spirit.
  • Greetings and Benediction:
    • Romans 16:16: Greet with a holy kiss.
    • 2 Thessalonians 3:17: Paul’s personal signature.
    • Revelation 22:20: “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Theological Meaning
  • Stewardship: The collection reflects responsible giving to support the needy, showing unity across churches (16:1–2; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
  • Faithful Ministry: Paul’s plans and commendations highlight perseverance and mutual support in ministry despite opposition (16:9; 2 Timothy 4:7).
  • Christian Virtues: The call to stand firm and act in love underscores faith’s practical outworking in community life (16:13–14; Galatians 5:6).
  • Church Unity: Honoring leaders and mutual greetings foster a sense of shared mission and love (16:15–20; Hebrews 13:17).
  • Eschatological Hope: The “Maranatha” prayer reflects longing for Christ’s return, anchoring Christian service (16:22; Titus 2:13).
Questions and Answers
  1. What is the purpose of the collection (16:1–2)?
    To provide financial aid for the Jerusalem church, collected systematically to avoid last-minute burdens (16:2; Galatians 2:10).
  2. Why does Paul plan to stay in Corinth (16:6–7)?
    To strengthen the church through extended teaching and fellowship, not just a brief visit (16:7; Acts 20:2–3).
  3. How should the Corinthians treat Timothy (16:10)?
    With respect and support, ensuring he can minister without fear (16:10; 1 Timothy 4:12).
  4. Why does Paul emphasize love in his exhortations (16:14)?
    Love is the foundation of Christian conduct, uniting the church and guiding all actions (16:14; 1 Corinthians 13:13).
  5. What does “Maranatha” mean (16:22)?
    An Aramaic prayer meaning “Come, Lord,” expressing hope for Christ’s return (16:22; Revelation 22:20).
  6. Why commend Stephanas and others (16:15–18)?
    To honor their service and encourage the church to support faithful leaders (16:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13).
  7. How does this apply today?
    Believers should give generously, support ministers, stand firm in faith, and act in love, longing for Christ’s return (16:13–14; 2 Corinthians 8:7).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Written from Ephesus during Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 19:1–10), 1 Corinthians addresses a divided church in Corinth, a prosperous but morally lax city. The collection for Jerusalem (16:1) reflects Paul’s concern for Jewish-Gentile unity (Romans 15:27). Corinthian culture, with its wealth and idolatry, contrasts with Paul’s call to love and faithfulness (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).
  • Cultural Questions: The “holy kiss” (16:20) was a common greeting in ancient Mediterranean culture, symbolizing familial love (1 Peter 5:14). The collection (16:1–2) addressed poverty in Jerusalem due to famine and persecution (Acts 11:28–30). “Greeks and barbarians” (implicit in Paul’s ministry, cf. Romans 1:14) reflects Corinth’s diverse population. The curse on those who “do not love the Lord” (16:22) underscores the seriousness of rejecting Christ in a city prone to syncretism (Acts 17:18–21).
  • Application: 1 Corinthians 16 calls believers to practical generosity, support for ministry, and steadfast faith in a challenging world. It encourages honoring servant-leaders and fostering unity through love, while keeping Christ’s return in view (Philippians 2:3–4; Hebrews 10:24–25).
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