1 Corinthians 16:1-24

I Corinthians 16:1-24

By Dr. Hal Harless

Foundation Fellowship of Greenville

November 11, 2007

I. Introduction

A. Please turn in your Bibles to 1 Cor 16:1.

While you are turning, I have been thinking lately about last words. When we are about to hang up the phone, when the clock is about to run out, when we are finishing a letter, or when we are about to die, we chose our words very carefully. Our words must express ourselves, our message. Our words are what we wish to leave behind when we are gone. We will go away, but our words remain behind us bearing witness to who we were. So, today we are going to look at Paul's final words in this letter to the Corinthians.

B. Read 1 Cor 16:1-24.

II. Exposition

A. Background

1. Today, as we finish Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, we address the last question that the Corinthians asked about the collection for the poor in Jerusalem and Paul's travel plans.

2. We will also look at Paul's concluding remarks and what they reveal about the apostle's heart.

B. The collection for Jerusalem and concluding remarks (1 Cor 16:1-24)

1. Questions about the collection for Jerusalem (1 Cor 16:1-9)

a. Instructions for the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (read 1 Cor 16:1-4)

1) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also

a) "Now concerning"--This is the last question answered by Paul.

b) The Gk. word translated "directed" means "to give (detailed) instructions as to what must be done."

2) On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save

a) Giving is regular.

i) "On the first day of every week"--Christians normally meet on the first day of the week (Sunday) in honor of Christ's resurrection (John 20:19; Acts 20:7).

ii) Apparently, collections were taken then.

b) Giving is personal.

3) As he may prosper

a) Giving is proportional.

b) This has been translated, "each of you is to set something aside and save to the extent that he prospers" (HCSB).

4) So that no collections be made when I come

a) This has been translated, "so that when I come I won't have to do fundraising" (CJB).

b) Paul was not fond of fundraising.

5) When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem--Paul believed in financial accountability.

6) And if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me--According to Acts 20:4, no Corinthians accompanied Paul.

b. Paul's travel plans (read 1 Cor 16:5-9)

1) But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia

a) The easiest way to get to Corinth from Ephesus was by boat from Troas in Asia Minor to Philippi in Macedonia, then by the road westward and turn south into Greece.

b) Luke records the same plan in Acts 19:21.

2) And perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter

a) "Winter"--Sea travel virtually ceased during the winter.

b) Therefore, if Paul were in Corinth when winter came, he could not leave until spring.

3) So that you may send me on my way wherever I may go

a) Paul was going to sail directly to Syria.

b) However, when a Jewish plot was discovered, he decided to return overland through Macedonia (Acts 20:3).

4) For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time--Paul remained in Corinth three months (Acts 20:2-3).

5) If the Lord permits

a) Paul submitted everything to God's will (Jas 4:15).

b) Man proposes, but God disposes.

6) But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost

a) Paul did remain at Ephesus for a while (Acts 19:22).

b) However, since Paul sailed from Philippi in Macedonia "after the days of Unleavened Bread," which is before Passover, and he had been in Corinth "three months" (Acts 20:3), he did not remain in Ephesus until Pentecost.

c) Paul probably had to leave in November late in the sailing season.

7) For a wide door for effective service has opened to me

a) "Wide door" means figuratively "freedom of movement or choice" or "opportunity."

b) "Wide" is a perfect tense verb meaning "stand wide open."

c) This would describe the events of Acts 19:11-20.

8) And there are many adversaries

a) The synagogue (Acts 19:8-10)

b) Demetrius and the silversmiths (Acts 19:23-27)

c) This opposition culminated in the riot of Acts 19:28-41.

d) Paul left immediately afterward (Acts 20:1).

e) Opposition was to Paul an indication of the need for perseverance.

f) Paul's opponents in Corinth must have noted this.

2. Concluding remarks (1 Cor 16:10-24)

a. Personal instructions (1 Cor 16:10-18)

1) Instructions about Timothy (read 1 Cor 16:10-11)

a) Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid--Timothy did go to Corinth ahead of Paul (Acts 19:22; 1 Cor 4:17), but returned to Macedonia by the time 2 Cor. was written.

b) For he is doing the Lord's work, as I also am--Paul puts his authority behind Timothy.

c) So let no one despise him--Paul writes to Timothy, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" (1 Tim 4:12).

d) But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren--Paul expects the Corinthians to treat Timothy well. However, he is well aware that the church at Corinth can be difficult.

2) Instructions about Apollos (read 1 Cor 16:12)

a) But concerning Apollos our brother--This may indicate that the Corinthians had asked about Apollos in their letter.

b) I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren--Paul worked with people ...

c) And it was not at all his desire to come now--... instead of commanding them.

d) But he will come when he has opportunity--He had faith that God is also leading them.

3) Final exhortations (read 1 Cor 16:13-14)

a) Faith (1 Cor 16:13)

i) Be on the alert

(a) The Gk. grēgoreō means "to be in constant readiness."

(b) The verb is a present imperative and indicates a command for habitual action.

ii) Stand firm in the faith

(a) This verb also is a present imperative and indicates a command for habitual action.

(b) They must stand for the faith and against the errors that had crept in.

iii) Act like men

(a) The Gk. word means "conduct oneself in a courageous way."

(b) This has been translated, "show courage" (NET), "be courageous" (GW, NLT) and "be brave" (HCSB).

iv) Be strong

(a) This means "marked by mature strength."

(b) "Behave like a mentsh" (CJB).

b) Love (1 Cor 16:14)

i) Let all that you do be done in love--See 1 Cor 13.

ii) This was one of the Corinthians' main needs.

b. Exhortation to follow and acknowledge Christian leaders (read 1 Cor 16:15-18)

1) Now I urge you, brethren--Paul could command, but he prefers to exhort.

2) (You know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints)

a) The house of Stephanas was well known for its service to the church.

b) They exemplify servant leadership.

3) That you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors--Paul urges them to support their leadership.

4) I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus because they have supplied what was lacking on your part--Paul had missed the Corinthians.

5) For they have refreshed my spirit and yours--Their visit had encouraged Paul.

6) Therefore acknowledge such men

a) In antiquity, travelers carried mail. In all probability, Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus carried Paul's letter back to Corinth.

b) Paul puts his stamp of approval on them and their servant leadership.

c. Greetings (1 Cor 16:19-24)

1) Greetings from Asia (read 1 Cor 16:19-20)

a) The churches of Asia greet you--See Rev 2-3.

b) Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house

i) The fellow-tentmakers that Paul had met in Corinth had followed Paul to Ephesus.

ii) Early churches met in houses (Rom 16:3-5).

c) All the brethren greet you--This would be the believers in Ephesus.

d) Greet one another with a holy kiss--As it is with the French and Russians today, the ancients greeted each other with a kiss.

2) Paul's personal greeting (read 1 Cor 16:21-24)

a) Paul's signature (1 Cor 16:21)

i) The greeting is in my own hand--Paul.--Paul probably dictated the letter to an amanuensis, or scribe, possibly Sosthenes (1 Cor 1:1).

ii) Paul's signature in his own hand validates the letter (Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; 2 Thess 3:17).

b) Love the coming Lord (1 Cor 16:22).

i) If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed

(a) "If" is a first class condition and assumes the reality of the condition. Paul expects that there are in fact people in Corinth that do not love the Lord.

(b) "Love" (phileō) means "to have a special interest in someone ... with focus on close association, have affection for, like, consider someone a friend."

(d) Perhaps Paul is referring to those who were misleading the Corinthians with Gk. philosophy, immorality, and denials of the resurrection. Paul writes to the Galatians:

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! (Gal 1:8-9).

(e) Paul also writes to the Philippians:

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things (Phil 3:17-19).

(f) Such people are indeed under God's wrath and are not friends of Christ, but enemies.

ii) Maranatha

(a) This is an ancient Aram. saying, and goes back to the early church in the Holy Land.

(b) "Maranatha" means "Come, our Lord!"

(i) Paul made this pun, not so much for humor, as to fix the thought in the Corinthians' minds.

(ii) Paul wants the Corinthians to remember that God's wrath rests on those who lead others astray and that Jesus is coming soon to rule the earth.

c) Grace (1 Cor 16:23)

i) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you--"Grace"--The normal Gk. greeting was chairein, which Paul consistently changed into charis ("grace").

ii) The two last thoughts on Paul's mind are grace and love.

d) Paul's love (1 Cor 16:24)

i) My love be with you all in Christ Jesus--Even after so many rebukes, Paul assures the Corinthians of his love (agapē) for them.

ii) Amen

(a) Paul wrote the letter that we know as 1 Corinthians.

(b) Paul sent Timothy to Corinth with 1 Corinthians (1 Cor 4:17; 16:10-11).

(d) Paul paid a hurried visit, his second, to Corinth after this letter (2 Cor 12:14; 13:1-2). This visit had been unpleasant (2 Cor 2:1).

(e) Paul wrote another letter that was harsh in tone and sent it by Titus (2 Cor 2:4; 7:8).

(f) Paul, wanting to know how the Corinthians had received his letter, sought Titus and found him in Macedonia (2 Cor 2:12-17; 7:6-7). When Titus reported that the Corinthians had responded well, Paul with relief and joy wrote 2 Corinthians.

(g) When Paul left Ephesus, he traveled to Corinth and stayed with them three months (Acts 20:3) before traveling back to Ephesus and on to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4-21:15).

III. Applications for 1 Cor 16:1-24

A. Giving

1. Is regular

2. Is personal

3. Is proportional

B. Plans

1. Man proposes; God disposes.

2. A lack of human opposition does not indicate God's will. Human opposition does not indicate a lack of God's approval.

C. Christian leaders

1. Servant leadership is the standard.

2. Treat servant leaders well.

3. Submit to servant leaders.

D. Personal exhortations

1. Be alert to both evil and opportunities.

2. Stand for the faith with mature strength courageously.

3. Do everything in love.

4. Those without even a friendship love for Jesus are under God's curse. They are enemies of God.

5. Our Lord is coming soon!

6. Grace and love are critical.

IV. Applications of 1 Corinthians

A. God has called Christians to unity.

B. The cross is God's wisdom and power.

C. God has called us to His wisdom, to spiritual lives not carnal.

D. God has called us to purity not immorality.

E. Marriage is good, but so is singleness.

F. I should lovingly surrender my rights, if the exercise of them causes another to morally fail.

G. Worship, including spiritual gifts, is to be decently and in order.

H. Love must motivate all that we do or we are nothing.

I. The resurrection is a reality and is central to the gospel and God's plan.

J. Our giving should be regular, personal, and proportional.