| Back to Home Page | Back to
Book Index |
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