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1
Corinthians Chapter Sixteen
1 Corinthians 16
The apostle, in his letter, had treated of the disorder
that reigned among these believers, and his spirit was to a certain degree
relieved by fulfilling this duty towards them; for, after all, they were Christians
and an assembly of God. In the last chapter he speaks to them in the sense of
this, although he could not make up his mind to go to Corinth, for he had
intended to visit them in going to Macedonia, and a second time in returning
thence. He does not say here why he did not go thither on his way to Macedonia,
and he speaks with uncertainty as to his sojourn at Corinth when he should
arrive there on his return from Macedonia; if the Lord permitted, he would
tarry awhile with them. The second epistle will explain all this. In their
existing state his heart would not allow him to visit them. But he treats them
tenderly, nevertheless, as still beloved Christians, giving them directions
suited to the circumstances of the moment. They were to make a collection for
the poor saints at Jerusalem, as had been arranged with the apostles when Paul
left Jerusalem as the recognised apostle of the Gentiles. This was not to be
done in haste when he came, but by laying up every week in proportion to their
prosperity. He would send persons chosen by the Corinthians, or take them with
him if he went himself to Jerusalem. He thought of remaining till Pentecost at
Ephesus, where a great door was opened to him and there were many adversaries.
If these two things go together, it is a motive for remaining; the open door is
an inducement on the part of God, the activity of adversaries makes it
necessary with regard to the enemy. A closed door is a different thing from
opposition. People do not hearken if the door is shut; God does not act to draw
attention. If God is acting, the assiduity of the enemy is but a reason for not
abandoning the work. It appears (chap. 15:32) that Paul had already suffered
much at Ephesus, but he still continued his work there. He could not pour out his
heart on the subject to the Corinthians, seeing the state they were in. He does
it in the second Epistle, when the first had produced the effect he desired.
There was a tumult afterwards at Ephesus, stirred up by the craftsmen, in
consequence of which Paul left the city (Acts 19). Verses 21, 22, of this
chapter in Acts shew us the period at which he wrote this letter. The danger to
his life had preceded it, but he remained at Ephesus after that. The tumult
closed the door and sent him away.
In Acts 19:22 we see that he had sent Timothy into Macedonia. In our
epistle he supposes that he might go on as far as Corinth. If he came, the
Corinthians were to receive him as they would have received Paul. He had begged
Apollos to go to them; he had already been made a blessing to them; and Paul
thought he might be so again. He did not fear that Apollos would displace him
in the heart of the Corinthians. But Apollos shared the apostle's feeling; he
was not inclined to recognise, or by his presence to have the appearance of
upholding, that which prevented Paul going thither; and the more so because
there were some in the assembly at Corinth who wished to use his name as the
standard of a party. Free in his movements, he would act according to the
judgment which the Lord would enable him to form.
After speaking of Apollos, the apostle's mind turns again
to his children in the faith, dear to him, whatever their faults might be.
Verses 13, 14, are the effusion of a heart which forgot these faults in the
ardent desire of a charity that only thought of their blessingaccording to the
Spirit. Three Corinthians had brought him supplies; it does not appear to have
been on the part of the assembly, nor that it was any testimony of its love
which had refreshed the apostle's heart. He would have the Corinthians to
rejoice at it. He does not doubt that they loved him enough to be refreshed
because it was so. Their charity had not thought of it beforehand; but he
expresses his conviction that they took pleasure in the thought of his heart
being refreshed. It is touching to see here, that the apostle's charity
suggests that which grace would produce on the heart of the Corinthians,
communicating that which they probably would not otherwise have known of-the
active charity of three brethren of the assembly; and, in love uniting them to
his joy, if they had not been united to that which occasioned it. The flame of
charity communicates itself by rising above coldness, and reaching the depths
of divine life in the heart; and, once communicated, the soul, before
unkindled, glows now with the same fire.
We find in this chapter four channels, so to speak, of
ministry. Firstly, the apostle, sent direct from the Lord and by the Holy
Ghost. Secondly, persons associated with the apostle in his work, and acting at
his desire, and (in the case of Timothy) one pointed out by prophecy. Thirdly,
an entirely independent labourer, partly instructed by others (see Acts 18:26),
but acting where he saw fit, according to the Lord and to the gift he had
received. Fourthly, one who gives himself to the service of the saints, as well
as others who helped the apostle and laboured. Paul exhorts the faithful to
submit themselves to such, and to all those who helped in the work and
laboured. He would also have them acknowledge those who refreshed his heart by
their service of devotedness. Thus we find the simple and important principle
according to which all the best affections of the heart are developed, namely,
the acknowledgment of every one according to the manifestation of grace and of
the power of the Holy Ghost in him. The christian man submits to those who
addict themselves to the service of the saints; he acknowledges those who
manifest grace in a special way. They are not persons officially nominated and
consecrated who are spoken of here. It is the conscience and the spiritual
affection of Christians which acknowledges them according to their work-a
principle valid at all times, which does not permit this respect to be
demanded, but which requires it to be paid.
We may remark, here, that this epistle, although entering
into all the details of the interior conduct of an assembly, does not speak of
elders or of any formally established officers at all. It is certain, that in
general there were such; but God has provided in the word for the walk of an
assembly at all times, and, as we see, principles which oblige us to
acknowledge those who serve in it through personal devotedness without being
officially appointed. General unfaithfulness, or the absence of such established
officers, will not prevent those who obey the word from following it in all
that is needful for christian order. We see moreover that, whatever might be
the disorder, the apostle recognises the members of the assembly as being all
real Christians; he desires them to acknowledge one another by the kiss of
love, the universal expression of brotherly affection. This is so entirely the
case that he pronounces a solemn anathema on every one who loved not the Lord
Jesus. There might be such, but he would in no way recognise them. If there
were any, let them be anathema. Is this an allowed mixture? He will not believe
it, and he embraces them all in the bonds of christian love (v. 24).
The last point is important. The state of the assembly at Corinth might
give room for some uncertainty as to the Christianity of certain members, or
persons in connection with them although not dwelling at Corinth. He admonishes
them; but in fact, in cases of the most grievous sin where the discipline of
God was exercised, or that of man was required, the guilty are looked upon as
Christians. (See chap. 10 for the warning; chap. 11:32 for the Lord's
discipline; for that of man, chap. 5:5 in this epistle; for the principle, 2
Cor. 2:8). Besides, he denounces with an anathema those who do not love the
Lord Jesus. Discipline is exercised towards the wicked man who is called a
brother. He who calls himself a Christian, yet does not really love the
Lord-for there may be such-is the subject of the most terrible anathema.
It is sweet to see that, after faithfully (although with
anguish of heart) correcting every abuse, the spirit of the apostle returns by
grace into the enjoyments of charity in his relationship with the Corinthians.
The terrible verse 22 was not felt to be inconsistent with the love that
dictated the other verses. It was the same spirit, for Christ was the sole
spring of his charity.
We may notice (v. 21) that the apostle, as other passages
testify, employed some one to write for him. The Epistle to the Galatians is an
exception. He verified his epistles to the assemblies by writing the salutation
at the end with his own hand, marking the importance he attached to the
exactitude of the verbal contents, and confirming the principle of an exact
inspiration. His heart flows out (v. 24), and he comforts himself in being able
to acknowledge them all in love.
── John Darby《Synopsis of 1 Corinthians》
1 Corinthians 16
Chapter Contents
A collection for the poor at Jerusalem. (1-9) Timothy and
Apollos commended. (10-12) Exhortation to watchfulness in faith and love.
(13-18) Christian salutations. (19-24)
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:1-9
(Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-9)
The good examples of other Christians and churches should
rouse us. It is good to lay up in store for good uses. Those who are rich in
this world, should be rich in good works, 1 Timothy 6:17,18. The diligent hand will not
make rich, without the Divine blessing, Proverbs 10:4,22. And what more proper to stir
us up to charity to the people and children of God, than to look at all we have
as his gift? Works of mercy are real fruits of true love to God, and are
therefore proper services on his own day. Ministers are doing their proper
business, when putting forward, or helping works of charity. The heart of a
Christian minister must be towards the people among whom he has laboured long,
and with success. All our purposes must be made with submission to the Divine
providence, James 4:15. Adversaries and opposition do not
break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal,
and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by
the hardness of his hearers' hearts, and the backslidings of professors, than
by the enemies' attempts.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:10-12
(Read 1 Corinthians 16:10-12)
Timothy came to do the work of the Lord. Therefore to vex
his spirit, would be to grieve the Holy Spirit; to despise him, would be to
despise Him that sent him. Those who work the work of the Lord, should be
treated with tenderness and respect. Faithful ministers will not be jealous of
each other. It becomes the ministers of the gospel to show concern for each
other's reputation and usefulness.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:13-18
(Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-18)
A Christian is always in danger, therefore should ever be
on the watch. He should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert
or give it up. By this faith alone he will be able to keep his ground in an
hour of temptation. Christians should be careful that charity not only reigns
in their hearts, but shines in their lives. There is a great difference between
Christian firmness and feverish warmth and transport. The apostle gave
particular directions as to some who served the cause of Christ among them.
Those who serve the saints, those who desire the honour of the churches, and to
remove reproaches from them, are to be thought much of, and loved. They should
willingly acknowledge the worth of such, and all who laboured with or helped
the apostle.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:19-24
(Read 1 Corinthians 16:19-24)
Christianity by no means destroys civility. Religion
should promote a courteous and obliging temper towards all. Those give a false
idea of religion, and reproach it, who would take encouragement from it to be
sour and morose. And Christian salutations are not mere empty compliments; but
are real expressions of good-will to others, and commend them to the Divine
grace and blessing. Every Christian family should be as a Christian church.
Wherever two or three are gathered together in the name of Christ, and he is
among them, there is a church. Here is a solemn warning. Many who have Christ's
name much in their mouths, have no true love to him in their hearts. None love
him in truth, who do not love his laws, and keep his commandments. Many are
Christians in name, who do not love Christ Jesus the Lord in sincerity. Such
are separated from the people of God, and the favour of God. Those who love not
the Lord Jesus Christ, must perish without remedy. Let us not rest in any
religious profession where there is not the love of Christ, earnest desires for
his salvation, gratitude for his mercies, and obedience to his commandments.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ has in it all that is good, for time and for
eternity. To wish that our friends may have this grace with them, is wishing
them the utmost good. And this we should wish all our friends and brethren in
Christ. We can wish them nothing greater, and we should wish them nothing less.
True Christianity makes us wish those whom we love, the blessings of both
worlds; this is meant in wishing the grace of Christ to be with them. The
apostle had dealt plainly with the Corinthians, and told them of their faults
with just severity; but he parts in love, and with a solemn profession of his
love to them for Christ's sake. May our love be with all who are in Christ
Jesus. Let us try whether all things appear worthless to us, when compared with
Christ and his righteousness. Do we allow ourselves in any known sin, or in the
neglect of any known duty? By such inquiries, faithfully made, we may judge of
the state of our souls.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 1 Corinthians》
1 Corinthians 16
Verse 1
[1] Now
concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches
of Galatia, even so do ye.
The saints — A
more solemn and a more affecting word, than if he had said, the poor.
Verse 2
[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.
Let every one —
Not the rich only: let him also that hath little, gladly give of that little.
According as he hath been prospered — Increasing his alms as God increases his substance. According to this
lowest rule of Christian prudence, if a man when he has or gains one pound give
a tenth to God, when he has or gains an hundred he will give the tenth of this
also. And yet I show unto you a more excellent way. He that hath ears to hear,
let him hear. Stint yourself to no proportion at all. But lend to God all you
can.
Verse 4
[4] And
if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
They shall go with me — To remove any possible suspicion.
Verse 5
[5] Now
I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass
through Macedonia.
I pass through Macedonia — I purpose going that way.
Verse 7
[7] For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with
you, if the Lord permit.
I will not see you now — Not till I have been in Macedonia.
Verse 8
[8] But
I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
I will stay at Ephesus — Where he was at this time.
Verse 9
[9] For
a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
A great door — As
to the number of hearers.
And effectual — As
to the effects wrought upon them.
And there are many adversaries — As there must always be where Satan's kingdom shakes. This was another
reason for his staying there.
Verse 10
[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.
Without fear — Of
any one's despising him for his youth.
For he worketh the work of the Lord — The true ground of reverence to pastors. Those who do so, none ought to
despise.
Verse 11
[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.
I look for him with the brethren — That accompany him.
Verse 12
[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.
I besought him much — To
come to you.
With the brethren —
Who were then going to Corinth.
Yet he was by no means willing to come now — Perhaps lest his coming should increase the divisions among them.
Verse 13
[13]
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
To conclude.
Watch ye —
Against all your seen and unseen enemies.
Stand fast in the faith — Seeing and trusting him that is invisible.
Acquit yourselves like men — With courage and patience.
Be strong — To
do and suffer all his will.
Verse 15
[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,)
The first fruits of Achaia — The first converts in that province.
Verse 16
[16] That
ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and
laboureth.
That ye also — In
your turn.
Submit to such — So
repaying their free service.
And to every one that worketh with us and
laboureth — That labours in the gospel either with or
without a fellow-labourer.
Verse 17
[17] I am
glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was
lacking on your part they have supplied.
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, and
Fortunatus, and Achaiacus — Who were now returned to Corinth but the
joy which their arrival had occasioned remained still in his heart.
They have supplied what was wanting on your
part — They have performed the offices of love,
which you could not, by reason of your absence.
Verse 18
[18] For
they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are
such.
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours — Inasmuch as you share in my comfort.
Such therefore acknowledge — With suitable love and respect.
Verse 19
[19] The
churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord,
with the church that is in their house.
Aquila and Priscilla had formerly made some
abode at Corinth, and there St. Paul's acquaintance with them began, Acts 18:1,2.
Verse 21
[21] The
salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
With my own hand —
What precedes having been wrote by an amanuensis.
Verse 22
[22] If
any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ — If any be an enemy to his person, offices, doctrines, or commands. Let
him be Anathema. Maran-atha-Anathema signifies a thing devoted to destruction.
It seems to have been customary with the Jews of that age, when they had
pronounced any man an Anathema, to add the Syriac expression, Maran-atha, that
is, "The Lord cometh;" namely, to execute vengeance upon him. This
weighty sentence the apostle chose to write with his own hand; and to insert it
between his salutation and solemn benediction, that it might be the more
attentively regarded.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 1
Corinthians》
Chapter 16. Offerings
Devote to the
Service of the Saints
Submit to Fellow Workers
I. The
Collection for God's People
II. Inform
Itinerary Beforehand
III. Greetings,
Warnings and Blessings
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Chapter Sixteen General Review OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To understand the basis and purpose underlying the collection taken on the first day of the week 2) To note the love accompanying the writing of this epistle which is filled with so much correction of error SUMMARY
In this final chapter, Paul discusses one last subject before makinghis concluding remarks. It concerns the collection for the saints, forwhich Paul gives instructions as to the manner in which the funds areto be gathered and then sent to Jerusalem briefly of his plans to see them and makes a few comments concerningTimothy and Apollos (5-12). His final exhortations, greetings and solemn warning are marked with a tone of love: the need to love one another, a warning to love the Lord, and a declaration of his love for them (13-24). OUTLINE
I. THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS (1-4)
A. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING TAKING UP THE COLLECTION (1-2) 1. The same as those given the churches of Galatia 2. To be gathered each first day of the week, people giving as they have been prospered, to avoid last minute collections (2) B. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING SENDING THE COLLECTION (3-4) 1. To be sent along with an approved representative of the church of Corinth 2. If deemed appropriate, Paul will join them in going to Jerusalem II. PERSONAL PLANS AND RELATED COMMENTS (5-12)
A. PAUL'S PLANS (5-9) 1. To see them after passing through Macedonia 2. To remain in Ephesus opportunity has been opened for him (8-9) B. CONCERNING TIMOTHY (10-11) 1. Allow him to come without fear (10) 2. Do not despise him, but send him to Paul in peace (11) C. CONCERNING APOLLOS (12) 1. Though urged by Paul, he chose not to go to Corinth present time (12a ) 2. But he will at a more convenient time (12b) III. CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS, GREETINGS, AND A SOLEMN FAREWELL (13-24)
A. FINAL EXHORTATIONS (13-18) 1. Exhortation to steadfastness and love (13-14) 2. Exhortation to submit to the household of Stephanus and others like them, who refresh the spirits of those who know them (15-18) B. GREETINGS (19-21) 1. From the churches of Asia, Aquila and Priscilla, and others (19-20a ) 2. Greet one another with a holy kiss (20b) 3. Paul's own personal salutation in his own handwriting (21) C. A SOLEMN FAREWELL (22-24) 1. A grave warning about not loving the Lord Jesus , with a plea for His coming (22) 2. A prayer for grace and an expression of love for those in Christ Jesus (23) REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) List the main points of this chapter
- The Collection For The Saints (1-4) - Personal Plans And Related Comments (5-12) - Concluding Exhortations, Greetings, And A Solemn Farewell (13-24) 2) What was the purpose of the collection? (1)
- For the needy saints in Jerusalem 3) When was the collection to be taken? (2)
- On the first day of the week 4) What was the purpose of doing it this way? (2)
- To avoid a last minute collection 5) What principle concerning giving is taught in verse two?
- To give as one may prosper