Chapter 16
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Now 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.
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”
Overview
Paul closes his letter with practical instructions about the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, his travel plans, and commendations of fellow workers including Timothy and Apollos. He urges the Corinthians to stand fast in the faith, to be strong, and to do all things with charity. He closes with greetings, a solemn warning to any who do not love the Lord, and the prayer 'Maranatha' — the Lord cometh.
Key Themes
Generosity for the Saints
Paul gives practical instructions for a systematic, weekly collection to support the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating the unity of the worldwide church.
Standing Fast in Faith
Paul's closing exhortation calls the Corinthians to watchfulness, steadfastness, courage, and strength — with everything done in love as the binding principle.
Fellowship and Partnership in Ministry
Paul commends Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, Timothy, and Apollos, showing that gospel ministry is carried forward by a network of faithful co-laborers.
Study Questions
What principles for Christian giving can we draw from Paul's instructions about the collection (vv. 1-4)?
How does the command to 'watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong' (v. 13) apply to our spiritual lives today?
Why does Paul add 'let all your things be done with charity' (v. 14) immediately after his call to strength and courage?
What is the significance of Paul's prayer 'Maranatha' — 'our Lord cometh' (v. 22) — for the early church and for us?
How does the household of Stephanas (v. 15) model servant leadership in the local church?
Connection to Christ
Paul closes with the Aramaic prayer 'Maranatha' — 'Our Lord, come!' — expressing the early church's longing for Christ's return. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is the final benediction, reminding believers that everything from first to last depends upon the person and work of Jesus.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through 1 Corinthians 16. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?