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1 Corinthians 16

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1 Corinthians 16 Overview

Paul closes with instructions for a weekly collection for the saints, travel plans, Timothy’s reception, Apollos’s timing, and commendation of faithful workers such as the household of Stephanas. He calls the church to watch, stand fast in the faith, be strong, and let all things be done with charity.

1 CorinthiansBook

16Chapter

24Verses

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Before you read 1 Corinthians 16

Coming from

Paul restates the gospel he preached: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, rose again the third day, and was seen by many witnesses. He then answers denial of bodily resurrection, explains Christ as the firstfruits, discusses the resurrection body, reveals the mystery of believers being changed, and ends with victory over death.

In this chapter

Leads into

The canonical sequence continues into 2 Corinthians.

Key understandingExplore deeper

The collection is planned, regular, proportionate giving for a specific need among the saints; it is not presented as a payment for salvation.

The chapter shows the ordinary logistical side of apostolic ministry—money handling, travel, messengers, schedules, and local workers all matter.

Major truths in this chapterExplore deeper

Giving should be intentional and orderly

Paul wants funds prepared before his arrival rather than collected impulsively under pressure.

Faithfulness includes ordinary ministry logistics

Travel, recommendations, hospitality, and recognized workers support gospel ministry.

Strength and love belong together

Standing fast is not harshness; Paul immediately commands that everything be done with charity.

Connections to the rest of ScriptureExplore deeper

Acts 19:21–22

Paul’s movements around Ephesus and Macedonia connect with the travel setting behind the letter.

2 Corinthians 8–9

Paul later gives much fuller teaching about the collection and generous giving.

Romans 15:25–28

Paul later explains his journey carrying aid to the poor saints at Jerusalem.

What is clear, and where care is neededExplore deeper

Do not treat weekly setting-aside as a tax that earns favor with God

It is organized Christian generosity.

Do not make every travel plan a prophecy that must occur exactly as first intended

Paul himself speaks conditionally about opportunities and timing.

Do not separate firmness in doctrine from charity

Both commands appear together in the closing exhortations.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 watching for…

The method of preparing the collection.

Paul’s conditional travel language.

How Timothy should be received.

The household of Stephanas and their ministry.

The cluster of final commands: watch, stand fast, be strong, love.

Chapter outline4 sections

1-4Paul gives instructions for a regular collection for the saints 5-12Paul explains his travel plans and speaks about Timothy and Apollos 13-18The church is told to stand fast, act in charity, and honor faithful workers 19-24Paul sends greetings and closes with love in Christ Jesus

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

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.

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

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.

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.

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.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Let all your things be done with charity.

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,)

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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.]>>

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1 Corinthians 16:5

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