Notes on 1 Corinthians 16

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

The issue of the collection for the saints in Jerusalem comes up again in the second letter. This was one instruction the church in Corinth apparently ignored. Paul wanted to be very careful that there was no question as to how the money would be spent, so he asked them to appoint someone to take the money to Jerusalem, or to go with him. As it happened, Paul did not make the return trip when he planned, because, as he indicated in the second letter, he was concerned he might have to be too severe with them. Timothy appeared to be lacking in self-confidence, or confidence in the Lord, because of his youth, because Paul had to admonish him later (2 Timothy 1:7) that the spirit of fear, or timidity, was not from God. As to Apollos, we do not know if he simply refused Paul's request, since it was not "his" will to come, or if there was a valid reason.

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14 Let all your things be done with charity.
15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. <<The first [epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.]>>

The instructions, or admonition, in verses 13 and 14 summarize the entire message of the letter. The Corinthians were told to stand firm in the faith, in the things they had been taught, and not stray into false doctrines. They were to behave in love toward one another, and not give into division and spiritual pride. They were also told to submit to spiritual authority in their midst, and not insist on having their own way, in the following verses. The three men named, who had come to visit Paul, were no doubt the ones who informed him of the sad state of affairs in the church. Paul often signed at the end of his letters, to confirm their authenticity. There is strong evidence that he had poor eyesight, and had to dictate his letters.

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