1 Corinthians 16
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
1 Corinthians 16
The Collection (16:1-4)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
1 Now concerning: Paul has one last issue to answer the Corinthian church on.
1 The collection: For the saints in Jerusalem (3).
Paul spoke of financial gifts for the church in Jerusalem quite often.
Romans: Macedonia and Achaia (Rom 15:26).
Corinthians: Macedonia (2 Cor 8-9).
Apostles in J-ru: Remember the poor (Gal 2:10).
The Jerusalem church was a needy fellowship.
They cared for a large amount of widows (Acts 6).
They suffered through a famine (Acts 11:27-30).
They endured much persecution (Acts 7).
They attempted strict communal living (Acts 2).
Paul lists a few guidelines for their financial giving. Here they are:
1 The churches — Universal (1) - All of the churches are expected to be generous and giving churches.
2 Every week — Weekly (2) - Weekly/Regular. Sunday worship.
2 Each of you — Personal (2) - Not just a corporate thing, but a personal thing.
2 Put something aside and store it up — Predetermined (2) - Planned, systematic, not haphazard.
2 As he may prosper — Proportional (2) - They gave as they were paid. They gave in accordance with their pay.
2 No collecting when I come — Without Pressure (2) - Paul knew that his presence could create an unfavorable and awkward pressure.
3 Those whom you accredit — With Accountability (3-4) - Accountability in finance.
Paul established travel teams in order to avoid this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us, providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men (2 Cor 8:20-21).
Itineraries (16:5-12)
5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
6 That you may help me on my journey: He may not have had 100% financing for his mission - faith.
7 In passing / some time with you: He didn’t need to stay at the Philippian church very long, but the Corinthians - on the other hand - needed some serious attention.
Paul’s attitude: Letters (most advanced tech) had their place in leading and doctrine, but the personal touch was important as well.
7 If the LORD permits: Paul was a man on the move.
This chapter: come, send, go, pass through, remain, on the way, stay, tarry, waiting.
Go (Mt 28:18-20 - as you go).
8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
9 Effective work / Many adversaries: In Ephesus.
God’s opportunity = Satan’s opposition.
Paul had a great ministry opportunity in Ephesus - Satan opposed it.
Ex. Workout video - “if it doesn’t hurt you’re not doing it right!”
10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
10 When Timothy comes: The lamb to Paul’s lion, Timothy was Paul’s young sidekick in ministry.
Timothy struggled with fear.
He was fearful (2 Tim 1).
He was sickly (1 Tim 5:23).
He was young (1 Tim 4:12).
Paul wanted the Corinthians to make way for Timothy.
Young leaders at Calvary.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
12 Apollos: He was one of the leaders of the Corinthian church, having spent a large portion of his ministry there. He was an impressive man and great teacher (Acts 18).
Apollos was unwilling to go to Corinth.
From what we know about the Corinthians, we are not surprised.
He counted the cost.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men [how gendered!], be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
17 I rejoice at the coming of: These three men delivered the Corinthian letter to Paul. They would also deliver Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
18 Give recognition:
I’m not sure the Corinthians enjoyed being told who to follow and respect.
Paul saw fit to direct them in this area.
They had some problems following a leader (1 Cor 1:12).
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca [article], together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
After a letter filled with stern rebukes and corrections, Paul reemphasizes his love for the Corinthian church - the love of Christ Jesus.
As we close this letter I would reaffirm my love for Calvary Monterey.