1 Corinthians 16

Greetings in the Lord!

We have come to the final chapter of 1 Corinthians. While it may seem that he could have just stopped after the expansive 15th chapter, Paul follows with a few words of closing remarks, final teachings, commendations, condemnations, and compliments. Also, somewhat hidden in the chapter, are some principles for church authority and submission.

The memory passage is
1 Corinthians 16:2,13-14,23-24 (ESV)
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.
¹³ Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. ¹⁴ Let all that you do be done in love.
²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. ²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The outline theme is Correct Collection and Conclusion.

The Corinthians heard news of the collection for the church in Jerusalem and sought some direction. The principles of this instruction, while certainly specific to this instance, can be applied to our giving today. It was regular, proportionate, saved, and planned for. (16:2)
Paul was also very aware of being above reproach concerning the gift. He had no intention of taking a cut, and ensured this by requesting accountability.

As at the end of Romans, Paul includes some travel plans. His desire is to see this church again, but a great ministry opportunity has opened up that he can not refuse. He 'does it all for the sake of the Gospel' (9:23) and that motivation drives him in his ministry.

Verse 12 is an interesting insight into Paul's leadership style and the relationship he had with his fellow believers. He strongly encouraged Apollos to go to Corinth, but Apollos did not feel it was the right time to go. Paul didn't order or coerce him to go against his will. There was a sense of brotherhood and partnership that motivated his leadership.

An exhortation to be diligent (watchful), stand firm in the true faith, act mature, and be strong in verse 13 sets up the reminder in verse 14 to let everything be done in love.

Verses 15 and 16 give us some insight into Paul's expectation for believers to respect and submit to those who 'have devoted themselves to the service of the saints'. He says to 'be subject to such as these' as they serve the Lord in their capacity (official or otherwise). But he doesn't let anyone off the hook, reminding them that they are all workers and laborers in the kingdom and should act as such.

As is his normal practice, Paul sends news and greetings from those who are with him. He compliments some for their encouraging presence, and testifies to the unity in the body by sending greeting from another assembly.

Paul signs this letter, and adds a final warning and closing blessing.

How does this affect my worship?
I'm struck by the instructions for giving. Paul teaches them to be disciplined, prepared, and consistent with their offerings. He knew that if they waited until he came to them, the offering would be 'thrown together' and probably would not yield as much as a consistent effort. Possibly he was trying to avoid the guilt-driven offering that some might feel obliged to give. It is clear that Paul wanted this act of worship to be thoughtful, planned and meaningful. We can take that advice for all areas of worship.

How does this affect my discipleship?
Just one read through the final verses of Chapter 16 gives us a glimpse of Paul's approach to discipleship. Even starting back with his travel plans, his comments about Timothy, about Apollos, about the first people he baptized in Corinth, about those who visited him and those who hosted the church; we see a genuine care and love for the fellow believers that he has taught, trained, served with and discipled. Paul's was not producing 'cookie-cutter' disciples by pressing them through a mold in anonymous uniformity. He built life-long relationships that could continue the work of discipleship as long as they lived.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you,

Ethan