1 Corinthians 16:1-24 Lesson 339

1 Corinthians 16:1-24 Lesson 339

Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

In this lesson:

Valuable deeds and Paul's final instructions.

Paul's travel plans (16:5-9).
"Stand fast in the faith" (16:13).

Conclusion and benediction (16:13-24).

Who was...

Timothy -
A disciple of Christ, a Christian minister, Paul's protégé, an evangelist, and a prominent leader in the early church from the city of Lystra (in modern-day Turkey). Timothy (one who honors God) was also known as Timotheus. He was the son of a Jewish mother (Eunice) and a Gentile father (Acts 16:1-3).  Timothy studied The Old Testament as a child (2 Timothy 3:15) and converted to Christianity with his mother and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5) during Paul's first visit to Lystra.  Shy by nature and plagued by illness (1 Timothy 5:23), Timothy was well thought of by Christians (Acts 16:2). He was like a son to Paul (Philippians 2:22; 1 Timothy 1:2; 1:18; 2 Timothy 1:2; 2:1) and accompanied him on the second and third missionary journeys (1 Corinthians 16:10).  Timothy was with Paul when he wrote 2 Corinthians (2 Corinthians 1:1), Philippians (Philippians 1:1), Colossians (Colossians 1:1), and Philemon (Philemon 1:1), and helped him found the church in Philippi (Acts 16:11-12).  Acts 19:22, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10, and 1 Corinthians 4:17 record how Paul sent Timothy to Macedonia, Thessalonica, and Corinth to stabilize their struggling churches.  Later, the aging Paul addressed the epistles 1 Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2) and 2 Timothy (2 Timothy 1:2) to him, and it was the loyal Timothy who traveled to Rome to visit the imprisoned Paul.  Imprisoned and then released himself (Hebrews 13:23), Timothy was devoted to Jesus Christ, committed to the welfare of others (Philippians 2:20), and spent his life spreading the word of God.

Apollos -
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Apollos was a Jew, scholar, gifted public speaker (Acts 18:24-26), missionary, teacher, and a friend of Paul's. Apollos preached in Corinth (Acts 19:1) and helped expand the church started by Paul (1 Corinthians 3:6). Tutored by Aquila and Priscilla, his powerful speaking style made Apollos so popular in Corinth that some Christians began to follow him instead of Christ. Rather than being flattered, this made Apollos hesitant to return to Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:12).  Paul relied on Apollos and asked for his assistance in Nicopolis (Titus 3:13).  Apollos was with Paul in Ephesus when he wrote the "First Epistle to the Corinthians."   Many biblical scholars believe Apollos wrote "The Epistle to the Hebrews."

Stephanas -
Stephanas was a member of the Corinth church and one of the first Christian converts in the Achaia Province (16:15).  He and his household were baptized by Paul (1 Corinthians 1:16) and "addicted" themselves to ministering to believers (16:15).

Fortunatus -
Means fortunate. Fortunatus was a Christian member of the church in Corinth. His name tells us he was a Roman.

Achaicus -
A Christian from Corinth who helped Paul (16:17).

Aquilla and Priscilla -
Aquila and Priscilla (also called Prisca) were a married missionary couple (Acts 18:2) who befriended Paul.  All three supported the ministry by tent-making (Acts 18:3).  Aquila and Priscilla helped Paul spread the Gospel and risked their lives for him (Romans 16:3-4), for which he repeatedly thanked them.  Aquila was from Pontus (Acts 18:2), a client kingdom of the Roman Empire near the Black Sea. But he lived in Rome until he and Priscilla were driven from their home due to their Christian beliefs. They fled to Corinth, where they met Paul and helped him establish a church.  Later, they traveled with Paul to Syria (Acts 18:18) and then to Ephesus on the second missionary journey. In Ephesus, they did missionary work and turned their home into a church (1 Corinthians 16:19). They were eventually allowed to return to Rome, where they once again held church services in their home (Romans 16:5). Some years later, they returned to Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:19).

Study Tip:

As you read, ask yourself,
"What is the point of this passage?"
"How does it affect me?"

The First Epistle of Paul The Apostle To The Corinthians

The King James Bible

1 Corinthians 16:1-24
Christian fellowship and giving

1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

2Upon 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.

3And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

4And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

5Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

6And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

7For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11Let 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.

12As 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.

13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

14Let all your things be done with charity.

15I 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,)

16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

20All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Margin notes:

"Concerning the collection for the saints." (16:1) - The churches in Galatia collected money for the Christians in Jerusalem suffering from famine (Acts 11:29).  Paul delivered these "alms" in Acts 24:17.

Galatia." (16:1) - Galatia was a Roman province located in central Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Populated mostly by displaced Gaul's (from modern-day France) and Greeks, it was incorporated into the Roman empire after the death of their king in 25 BC.  The Galatia Gaul's were descendants of the ancient Gaul's who were forced to immigrate to Asia Minor. When Paul arrived in Galatia on his second missionary tour (Acts 16:6), he found the people worshipping idols and various pagan gods. After Paul left Galatia, the Judaizers went to work on the new Christian converts and falsely taught them that they had to convert to Judaism and follow the old Mosaic Law to be saved. Paul responded to this dangerous doctrine in this epistle (letter) to the Galatians. "The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians" addressed the freedom found in Christ and the way to salvation, faith in Christ.  Paul returned on his third missionary journey to tend to and strengthen "the disciples" in Galatia (Acts 18:23).

"The first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store." (16:2) - "The first day of the week let everyone lay aside and save."  Paul is asking that a portion of each worker's earnings be laid aside each week for the famine victims in Jerusalem. Services were held on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

"Gatherings." (16:2) - "Collections."

"Bring your liberality unto Jerusalem." (16:3) - Means, "Bring your gift (donation) to Jerusalem."

"If it be meet." (16:4) - "If it is fitting, proper."

"Macedonia." (16:5) - A Roman province located in modern-day northern Greece on the Aegean Sea north of Achaia. It became part of the Roman empire in 168 BC.  This important province included the cities of Amphipolis, Apollonia, Neapolis, Thessalonica, Berea, Illyricum, Epirus, Philippi, and Ephesus.  Mount Olympus is also in Macedonia. Paul visited Macedonia twice, once during his second missionary journey and again in Acts 20:1-6. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians near the end of his three-year stay in Ephesus, Macedonia.

"It may be that I will abide." (16:6) -"And maybe I will stay."

"I trust to tarry a while with you." (16:7) - "I hope to stay with you a while." Paul eventually did go to Corinth and stayed for three months (Acts 20:3).

"Ephesus." (16:8) - A vital maritime city as well as a political, educational, and business center. Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia (part of modern-day Turkey), located on the Aegean Sea.  It was one of the five most important cities in the Roman empire. The city was famous for its temple to the pagan goddess Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) and its great theater.  Romans called Ephesus "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia." With a population of 250,000, Ephesus lay on the prosperous trade route from Rome to points east and was governed by a council of one hundred aristocrats.  Trade goods from all corners of the Roman Empire passed through Ephesus, making the city wealthy. Wide well kept streets, large public buildings, and lavish homes were everywhere. Paul established the church in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-41) around AD 53 during his second missionary journey and did some of his most important work here. The city became the center of Christian life after the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Thanks to Ephesus' central location, the Gospel made its way to all parts of the Roman empire. Christianity would have taken longer to spread without bustling trade centers like Ephesus. Paul wrote "The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians" while in prison in Rome (circa AD 60-62). In Revelations 2:1-7, Jesus dictates a letter to John addressed to the Ephesus church. It is believed that the apostle John died in Ephesus. Over the centuries, Ephesus gradually lost its harbor to the accumulation of silt and sediment.  Today, the ruins of Ephesus are several miles from the sea. The Austrian Archaeological Institute discovered and excavated the remains of the Artemis temple in the early 20th century.

"Pentecost." (16:8) - The word Pente koste is Greek for "fiftieth day." Pentecost is an annual Jewish holy day held fifty days after the barley harvest in the Passover observance (Leviticus 23:10-21; Numbers 28:27-29).  Also called "Feast of Weeks," "Feast of First Fruits," and "Feast of Harvests," it is a day for offering thanks (Deuteronomy 16:10) and one of three important Jewish holidays (Exodus 34:22-23; Deuteronomy 16:16).  Since the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles (as prophesied in Joel 2:28-32) on the Jewish Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21), believers now celebrate the day as the birth of the Christian church.  It is sometimes called Whitsunday.

"A great door and effectual is opened unto me." (16:9) - Paul saw a great opportunity to win souls for Christ in Ephesus, so he decided to stay. He was eventually forced to flee (Acts 19:23-20:1).

"Conduct him." (16:11) - "Guide him."

"As touching our brother Apollos." (16:12) - "Concerning our brother Apollos."

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (16:13) - Which means, watch yourself, stay true to your faith, be spiritually mature, and be strong.

"Let all your things be done with charity." (16:14) - "Let all your work be done with Love."

"I beseech you." (16:15) - "I beg you."

"They have addicted themselves." (16:15) - "They are dedicated themselves."

"Achaia." (16:15) - One of two Roman provinces in Greece, the other being Macedonia. Achaia was located in the northwest Peloponnesus (southern half of modern-day Greece), with Corinth as its capital. Second Corinthians (which we'll study next) was written to the churches in Achaia.

"The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand." (16:21) - Up to this point, Paul had been dictating 1 Corinthians to his assistant, Sosthenes (1 Corinthians 1:1).  These last verses were written in his own hand.

"Let him be Anathema Maranatha." (16:22) - Aramatic for, "Let him be cursed, our Lord cometh."

You can read more about the collection for Jerusalem's afflicted in Romans 15:23-33 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:14.

New Living Translation

1 Corinthians 16:1-24
The Collection for Jerusalem

1 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God's people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

Paul's Final Instructions

5 I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia, for I am planning to travel through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination.

7 This time I don't want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me. 8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost.

9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.

10 When Timothy comes, don't intimidate him. He is doing the Lord's work, just as I am. 11 Don't let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.

12 Now about our brother Apollos-I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.

13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God's people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.

17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren't here to give me. 18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

Paul's Final Greetings

19 The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with Christian love.

21 Here is my greeting in my own handwriting-Paul.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come!

23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.

This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."

Today's question:

1. What did we learn in 1 Corinthians?




Have questions?  I'll do my best to answer them.

Answer: (Do you agree?)

1. First, Corinthians is full of spiritual lessons and encouragement. Since the psychology of mankind has changed little in two thousand years, 1 Corinthians is still a pragmatic display of Christian life. The doubts, temptations, and questions that prompted the Corinthians to write Paul still challenge Christians today. In 1 Corinthians we learned about Christian wisdom, pride, sexual morality, marriage, and what it means to be spiritual. Paul wrote of Christian rights and freedoms, the temptation to sin, divisions within the church, spiritual gifts, the resurrection, and much more.

To reinforce the lessons of 1 Corinthians, re-read Paul's epistle while concentrating on how to apply its themes into your life.  Since you are now familiar with it, 1 Corinthians is an easy read (less than thirty pages). You will be amazed how much more will open up to you.





Application thought for the day:

What lessons on compassion (16:1-2) and Christian love (16:14) are taught in chapter sixteen?

In verse 16:9, Paul refers to the opportunities God gave him.
What opportunities has God given you to spread His good news?
Are you making the most of those opportunities with family and friends?

This is the final lesson of "The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians."

After a short break, we will begin studying 2 Corinthians.
I'll send you the first lesson in a few days.

Thank you, and God Bless.

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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
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