Chapter 16 begins with the familiar phrase, “now
concerning” indicating a response to a question in the
letter from the Corinthians to Paul. The subject is “the
collection.” Paul's instructions imply that the question in
the Corinthian letter was about how to best get their money
together. Paul advises the Corinthians to receive what money
they could for the collection each Sunday they came together
for worship. The purpose of the weekly offerings is so that
no offering need be taken when he returns to Corinth. His
goal was for the Corinthians to have finished their giving
for the poor believers in Jerusalem by the time he arrived.
Verses 3-4 illustrate the wisdom of Paul in financial
matters. The two greatest charges against the Christian
faith throughout church history have been incidents of
sexual immorality by the clergy and suspicious handling of
finances. Paul took care to see to it that there could be no
charge made against him of mishandling the offering or it
was diverted to his personal use.
In verses 3 and 4, we have the disposal of the offering. The
offering was theirs, and it was fitting they should dispose
of it in their own way as long as it was applied to the
right use. The members of the church were to appoint a
committee to take the offering to Jerusalem. This would be a
testimony of brotherly love to their distressed brethren, to
send their gift by members of their own body, who would have
compassion on their suffering brethren, and a Christian
concern for them.
Paul offers to go with their committee, if they think
proper. As an apostle, it was not Paul’s responsibility to
serve tables, but to give himself to the preaching of the
Word of God and prayer; yet he was always involved in a work
of charity, when an opportunity offered. It was no hindrance
to his preaching, but added to it.
In verses 5-9 Paul explains his purpose of visiting them. He
had labored long and hard in this church. He had done much
good among them, and had his heart set upon doing much more,
if God saw fit.
Though some among this people despised him, doubtless many
loved him and paid him all the respect due to an apostle and
their spiritual father. He loved them so much that he longed
for an opportunity to stay with them, take up his abode
among them for some length of time.
Paul had a purpose in returning to Corinth. This was not a
purpose proceeding from any extraordinary motion or impulse
of the Spirit of God; it was not the effect of inspiration;
for had it been he could not have spoken of it in this
manner, “if it is fitting.” Concerning everything we plan to
do it is fitting we say, "If the Lord permit." Everything we
do must be done with submission to the will of God. It is by
God's power and permission, and under His direction, that we
must do everything.
Paul told the Corinthians, he would remain in Ephesus until
Pentecost. Paul’s reason for staying in Ephesus until
Pentecost, a great door was opened to him and many were
prepared to receive the gospel at Ephesus, and God gave him
great success among them; he had brought over many to
Christ, and he had great hope of bringing many more.
Success, and a prospect of more, was a just reason for Paul
remaining in Ephesus even though there were many adversaries
and they were determined to ruin him, and prevent the effect
of his ministry at Ephesus. Paul was determined to stand his
ground; he would not desert his post and disgrace his
character and doctrine. The opposition of adversaries only
increased his determination. The more they opposed the more
he exerted himself.
In these last days, we need to be aware that great success
in the work of the gospel commonly creates many enemies. The
devil opposes those who are determined to do whatever it
takes to destroy his kingdom.
Verses 10-12, Paul sent Timothy to the church in Corinth to
correct the problems that arose following his leaving
Corinth. Because of the proud spirit of the Corinthians Paul
had reason to believe Timothy would be mistreated this is
why he warns not to discourage and oppose Timothy in doing
the Lord's work. He warns them against despising him (v 11).
Paul knew that Timothy would do nothing to bring contempt on
his character, nothing to make his youth despicable.
However, because of the proud spirit of the Corinthians this
warning was necessary.
Verses 13-18 contain Paul's closing exhortations in 1
Corinthians. Verses 13-14 urge the Corinthians to be
faithful, stand firm, be alert, strong, and conduct all
their relationships in love. Verse 14 provides a powerful
reminder of chapter 13.
Because of division in the church and the deceivers, Paul
advised the faithful in the church to stand fast in the
faith even to death. This is good advice to all the faithful
in all churches because by this faith alone we are able to
overcome temptations and the world. We must stand in the
faith and oppose those who divide and corrupt and not be
terrified by them but steadiness in defending the faith with
solid judgment and strong resolution. We must be careful
that charity not only reigns in our hearts, but also our
lives. There is a great difference between constancy and
cruelty, between Christian firmness and wrath. Christianity
is most conspicuous when Christians oppose the enemies of
their faith in love, when everything is done in charity,
when they behave towards one another, and towards all men,
with a spirit of meekness and good will.
Verse 15 – Paul mentions the household of Stephanas and
their character, they were the first fruits of Achaia, the
first converts to Christianity in that region of Greece in
which Corinth was. The household of Stephanas devoted
themselves to the ministry of the saints, supplying their
needs, helping and assisting them both in their temporal and
spiritual concerns. The family of Stephanas seems to have
been a family of rank and importance in those parts, and yet
they willingly offered themselves to this service.
Verse 17 – Paul mentions Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus,
as coming to him from the church of Corinth. The account he
gives of them is that they supplied him an account of the
problems in the church by word of mouth that exceeded the
information contained in their letter. The verbal report
revealed the problems in the church were worse than stated
in the letter. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came to
Paul with a truly Christian intention, as peacemakers.
Those who serve the saints, those who defend the honor and
good esteem of the churches, and oppose the enemies of the
church, both interior and exterior, are to be valued,
esteemed, and loved.
Paul’s advice to the Corinthians, they should submit to
those who serve the saints, defend the honor and good esteem
of the churches, and oppose the enemies of the church (v
16). This is not to be understood of subjection to
superiors, but of a voluntary acknowledgment of their worth.
Those that serve the saints and labor hard to help the
success of the gospel, encourage the faithful ministers of
Christ, and endeavor to promote their usefulness, should be
held in honorable esteem.
Verses 19-24, the final greetings of the letter are similar
to greetings statements found near the conclusion of almost
all the Pauline letters. Verse 21 contains a one-sentence
greeting.
Verse 22 is more difficult to understand. Paul pronounces a
curse on any who do not love the Lord. It is immediately
followed by an Aramaic sentence, “Maranatha” which means,
“Our Lord come.” This expression was used in early
Christianity as a prayer for Christ's presence in the
Communion meal.
Verse 23 gives a benediction that is characteristic of Paul.
Verse 24 provides a more personal note of conclusion as it
extends Paul’s love to the unruly, fractious,
uncontrollable, believers at Corinth. This verse is an
appropriate ending to this letter of such puzzling problems
and strong feelings. May God grant us the grace to conclude
our communication with our most frustrating opponents with
such words of love.
