1 Corinthians 16
Big idea: Resurrection hope wearing work clothes. The final 'now concerning' items are logistics: the Jerusalem collection systematized (weekly, proportionate, ready before Paul arrives), travel plans held loosely under 'if the Lord permits' — including staying in Ephesus because an open door and many adversaries mark the same spot — care instructions for Timothy and a candid note on Apollos, and the farewells: a five-imperative charge crowned by 'let all that you do be done in love,' commendations of proven servants, greetings across the network, and Paul's own hand — anathema, Maranatha, grace, and love to all.
The mundane ending is the theology applied: 15:58's 'abounding in the Lord's work' immediately becomes money handling, itineraries, and hospitality. The closing 'all in love' is the whole letter in five words.
16:1–4 — The collection
The relief fund for the Jerusalem saints gets a system, the same one commanded in Galatia: on the first day of every week, each sets aside as he may prosper — so no collections happen when Paul comes. Accountability is built in: the church approves its own couriers, whom Paul will send with letters; if fitting, he'll travel too, and they with him.
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. 2 On the first day of every week, let each one of you save as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come. 3 When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
16:5–12 — Plans and coworkers
Paul's itinerary: through Macedonia to Corinth, perhaps staying or wintering, so they can send him onward — no mere passing visit; he hopes to stay a while, if the Lord permits. Meanwhile he remains in Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great and effective door has opened — and there are many adversaries. Then the personnel notes: receive Timothy without intimidation (he does the Lord's work, as Paul does); despise no one; send him on in peace. And Apollos: strongly urged to come, entirely unwilling now, will come at opportunity — Paul reporting a colleague's free 'no' without offense.
5 I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. 6 But 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. 7 For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore 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. 12 Now 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.
16:13–24 — Final charges and greetings
The charge, five imperatives: watch; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong — and the fifth that governs the four: let all that you do be done in love. Then commendations: the household of Stephanas, Achaia's first fruits, self-appointed to serve the saints — submit to such, and to every co-laborer; Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus refreshed Paul's spirit and theirs — acknowledge such people. Greetings flow from the assemblies of Asia, from Aquila and Priscilla with the church in their house, from all the brothers — greet one another with a holy kiss. Then Paul's own hand: the greeting; the line of fire (if anyone doesn't love the Lord — anathema; Maranatha, come Lord!); the grace of the Lord Jesus; and — last word to a church he has rebuked for sixteen chapters — my love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
13 Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! 14 Let all that you do be done in love. 15 Now 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— 16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that. 19 The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house. 20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. 22 If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Scripture text: World English Bible (public domain).