1 Corinthianschapter 16
24 verses · Paul · AD 54 or 55 · Paul's letters
On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
Introduction
Paul, Paul's letters, 1 Corinthians Overview.
Paul wrote this chapter as the close of a long and hard letter to a church he loved. After fifteen chapters of teaching and correction, he turns to money, travel and friends. These plain matters show how the churches of his day were bound to one another. Gifts, letters and messengers passed between them, and names are named. Listen for the one question from the Corinthians' letter still left to answer. Listen also for the change of handwriting near the end. Read it as the letter's farewell and a window on the first churches at work.
Context
- Who
- The Corinthian church, given instructions they were expected to act on before he arrived.
- What
- The close of the letter: the collection for Jerusalem, Paul's plans to visit, word about Timothy and Apollos, final commands, greetings and Paul's own signature.
- Where
- Written from Ephesus in the Roman province of Asia, where Paul meant to stay until Pentecost, to the church at Corinth in Achaia.
- When
- About AD 54 or 55, in the months before a Pentecost near the end of Paul's stay at Ephesus.
- Why
- To set in order the collection for the poor believers at Jerusalem, to prepare the church for the visits of Paul and Timothy, and to close the letter in love.
Historical context
The collection for the believers in Jerusalem was an organized, multi-church effort, and Paul gives Corinth the same instructions he had given Galatia. Each person is to set something aside on the first day of every week, in proportion to income, so that no hurried gathering happens when he arrives.
Show the rest of the historical context, 4 more paragraphs
That weekly rhythm is itself a detail worth noticing: the first day of the week is already the assumed marker of Christian life.
Carrying money across the empire was risky and reputationally dangerous. Paul's plan to send the gift with approved men, carrying letters, and possibly to travel with them himself, is the ancient equivalent of an audit trail, a man handling other people's money made sure witnesses went with it.
His travel plans run on the sailing season and on opportunity: staying in Ephesus until Pentecost because a wide door has opened and there are many adversaries, then coming through Macedonia, perhaps wintering in Corinth. Winter closed the sea, so a visitor stayed put for months.
The letter ends with a greeting in his own hand, a mark of authenticity after a secretary's writing, and an Aramaic phrase, Maranatha, "our Lord, come", preserved untranslated in a Greek-speaking church.
Significance
For the Corinthians, the chapter turned a long correction into ordinary obedience: put money aside, receive Timothy without making him afraid, submit to households like Stephanas who had devoted themselves to serving the saints.
Show the rest of the significance, 1 more paragraph
The closing commands are short and blunt after fifteen chapters of argument, be watchful, stand firm, act like men, be strong, let all you do be done in love.
The heads below are this chapter's scenes. The numbered points under each are its verses.
Set Something Aside Every First Day
1 Corinthians 16:1-4
the collection for the saints: The collection is the fund for Jerusalem's poor, Gentile churches repaying in material aid the spiritual things they received (Romans 15:27). Setting it aside on the first day of every week makes giving weekly, private and proportionate.
1 Corinthians 16:1
“Now concerning the collection for the saints - The use of the article here shows that he had mentioned it to them before, and that it was a subject which they would readily understand. It was not new to them, but it was needful only to give some instructions in regard to the manner in which it should be done, and not in regard to the occasion for the collection, or the duty of making it. Accordingly, all his instructions relate simply to the manner in which the collection should be made.”
2 more voices on this verseWhat preachers and commentators have said about this verse, in their own words.
1 Corinthians 16:1
“Note, The good examples of other Christians and churches should excite in us a holy emulation. It is becoming a Christian not to bear to be outdone by a fellow-christian in any thing virtuous and praise-worthy, provided this consideration only makes him exert himself, not envy others; and the more advantages we have above others the more should we endeavour to exceed them.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
1 Corinthians 16:1
“24:17; compare 2Co 8:4; He says "saints" rather than "the poor," to remind the Corinthians that in giving, it is to the Lord's people, their own brethren in the faith. Towards the close of the national existence of the Jews, Judea and Jerusalem were harassed with various troubles, which in part affected the Jewish Christians.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
On the first day of every week: The Greek phrase behind set aside means by oneself, at home, and saving it up is thesaurizo, to lay up treasure. Each household built its own store week by week. The amount followed income, so rich and poor gave in proportion.
1 Corinthians 16:2
“Upon the first day of the week,.... In an ancient copy of Beza's, and in some others, it is added, "the Lord's day".”
2 more voices on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:2
“The primary object of the sabbath is holiness, not merely rest: "Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day." Compare Ge 2:3, "God blessed and sanctified it, because . . . in it He had rested," &c. The word "Remember" implies that it was in existence before the giving of the law from Sinai, and refers to its institution in Paradise (compare Ex 16:22, 23, 26, 30).”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
1 Corinthians 16:2
“But, when he came, as to the disposal of it, he would leave it much to themselves. The charity was theirs, and it was fit they should dispose of it in their own way, so it answered its end, and was applied to the right use. Paul no more pretended to lord it over the purses of his hearers than over their faith; he would not meddle with their contributions without their consent.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
carry your gift to Jerusalem: Gift here is charis, the word for grace, and Paul uses it of the offering again in 2 Corinthians 8. The church chose its own messengers, and Paul supplied letters of introduction to the Jerusalem believers. Money given in grace travelled under open accountability.
1 Corinthians 16:3
“If English Version be retained, the sense will be, "When I come, I will send those whom by your letters, then to be given them, ye shall approve." But the antithesis (opposition or contrast) to Paul himself (1Co 16:4) favors GROTIUS' view. So "by" means with (Ro 2:27); and the Greek for "by" is translated, with (2Co 2:4). liberality--literally, gracious or free gift (2Co 8:4).”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:3
“Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters - There has been great variety of opinion in regard to the proper construction of this verse. Macknight supposes that the “letters” here referred to were not letters either to or from the apostle, but letters signed and sent by the congregation at Corinth, designating their appointment and their authority. With this interpretation Doddridge coincides; and this is required by the usual pointing of the Greektext, where the comma is inserted after the word letters, as in our translation.”
they can travel with me: Paul leaves his own going open, to be settled by what the need required. Acts 20:4 lists the delegates from several churches who travelled with him, and Romans 15:25 shows him setting out for Jerusalem with the gift. The plan was kept.
1 Corinthians 16:4
“Paul is saying that if the collection is generous, he can go too. For if a bishop is going, he ought to take a large amount with him.”
Ambrosiaster · written before 384 · Commentary on Paul's Epistlespatristic
2 more voices on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:4
“And if it be meet, etc. - If it be a business that requires my attendance, and it be judged proper for me to go to Jerusalem, I will take those persons for my companions. On the delicacy with which St. Paul managed the business of a collection for the poor, Archdeacon Paley makes the following appropriate remarks: - “The following observations will satisfy us concerning the purity of our apostle’s conduct in the suspicious business of a pecuniary contribution. “1st.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 Corinthians 16:4
“Note, Ministers are doing their proper business when they are promoting or helping in works of charity. Paul stirs up the Corinthians to gather for the relief of the churches in Judea, and he is ready to go with their messengers, to convey what is gathered; and he is still in the way of his duty, in the business of his office. Paul Promises to Visit Corinth.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
A Wide Door: and Many Adversaries
1 Corinthians 16:5-9
After I go through Macedonia: Paul plans to come through Macedonia and perhaps winter at Corinth, under the proviso of every plan, if the Lord permits. The plan later changed, and the change became the charge of fickleness that 2 Corinthians 1 answers.
1 Corinthians 16:5
“Now I will come unto you,.... Which he again assures them of, as being his real intention and design; though some had given out that he would not come to them any more, and hoped they should never see him any more; see 1Co 4:18. When I shall pass through Macedonia; hereby fixing the time when he intended to visit them after he had gone through that country, and had received their collections for the saints at Jerusalem, which the churches there so generously made, and pressed him to the ministering of, of which he speaks in his next epistle.”
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:5
“Now I will come unto you - I purpose to come unto you. He had expected to see them on his way to Macedonia, but, on some account, had been induced to abandon that design. See the notes at 2Co 1:15-17. When I shall pass through Macedonia - When I shall have passed through Macedonia. He proposed to go to Macedonia first, and, having passed through that country, visiting the churches, to go to Corinth. For the situation of Macedonia, see the notes at Act 16:9. For I do pass through Macedonia - I design to do it.”
spend the winter: Ships on the Mediterranean seldom sailed between November and March, so a winter stay at Corinth would last until spring. Acts 20:2-3 records Paul later spending three months in Greece. To help him on his way was to send him off with food, money and brothers to travel with him.
1 Corinthians 16:6
“Yea, and winter with you - He purposed to stay till pentecost at Ephesus; after that to go to Macedonia, and probably to spend the summer there; and come in the autumn to Corinth, and there spend the winter. That ye may bring me on my journey - That ye may furnish me with the means of travelling. It appears that, in most cases, the different Churches paid his expenses to other Churches; where this was not done, then he labored at his business to acquire the means of travelling.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:6
“And it may be that I will abide,.... He could not be certain what calls in Providence he might have to some other places, where his presence would be necessary: yea, and winter with you; stay all winter with them, for the space of three months, as we read he did in Greece, Act 20:1. That ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go; both by accompanying him in person themselves, in token of honour and respect, and by providing things necessary for his journey; see Act 15:3.”
if the Lord permits: The word now points to an earlier plan of two short visits, which 2 Corinthians 1:15-16 describes. Paul now prefers one longer stay.
1 Corinthians 16:7
“For I will not see you now by the way - On the way to Macedonia. Something had occurred to change his mind, and to induce him to go to Macedonia by another way. But I trust to tarry a while with you - That is, on my return from Macedonia, 1Co 16:5. Greek, “I hope to remain with you a little while. If the Lord permit - The apostle did not use the language of certainty and of confidence.”
2 more voices on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:7
“It is to be understood then of a common purpose, formed in his own spirit. And concerning all our purposes it is fit we should say, "We will execute them if the Lord permit." Note, All our purposes must be made with submission to the divine providence.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
1 Corinthians 16:7
I will not see you now by the way--literally, "I do not wish to see you this time in passing"; that is, to pay you now what would have to be a merely passing visit as I did in the second visit (2Co 12:14). In contrast to "a while," that is, some time, as the Greek might better be translated. but--The oldest manuscripts read "for."
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
stay in Ephesus until Pentecost: Pentecost fell fifty days after Passover, in late spring, and the verse dates the letter to Paul's long stay at Ephesus in Acts 19. Paul marks time by the Jewish calendar. The sailing season was open by then.
1 Corinthians 16:8
“But I will tarry at Ephesus - This passage proves that this letter was written from Ephesus. It is by such indications as this usually that we are able to determine the place where the Epistles were written. In regard to the situation of Ephesus, see the note on Act 18:19. Until Pentecost - This was a Jewish festival occurring fifty days after the Passover, and hence called the Pentecost. See the note at Act 2:1.”
a great door for effective work: Paul uses the open door for an opportunity to preach again at 2 Corinthians 2:12 and Colossians 4:3. Effective translates energes, a door leading to active and fruitful work. Acts 19:10 records that the whole province heard the word.
1 Corinthians 16:9
"A door of utterance," Col 4:3. "Great," that is, extensive. "Effectual," that is, requiring great labors [ESTIUS]; or opportune for effecting great results [BEZA]. many adversaries--who would block up the way and prevent us from entering the open door.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:9
“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.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
Receive Timothy Without Fear
1 Corinthians 16:10-12
If Timothy comes, see to it: Paul asks that Timothy have nothing to fear in a church that despised even Paul, for he does the Lord's work. Apollos, whose name headed a party, would not go now, and the two men whose names divided Corinth decline to be rivals.
1 Corinthians 16:10
“Now, if Timotheus come - Of Timothy we have heard before, 1Co 4:17. And we learn, from Act 19:22, that Paul sent him with Erastus from Ephesus to Macedonia. It is evident, therefore, in opposition to the very exceptionable subscription at the end of this epistle, that the epistle itself was not sent by Timothy, as there stated. That he may be with you without fear - That he may be treated well, and not perplexed and harassed with your divisions and jealousies; for he worketh the work of the Lord - he is Divinely appointed, as I also am.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:10
“Proud spirits cannot easily bear reproof. It was reasonable therefore to think young Timothy might be roughly used; hence the apostle warns them against using him ill. Not but that he was prepared for the worst; but, whatever his firmness and prudence might be, it was their duty to behave themselves well towards him, and not discourage and dishearten him in his Lord's work.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
treat him with contempt: Timothy was young, and 1 Timothy 4:12 shows the same concern that others would look down on him. Paul wants him sent back safe and supplied. Acts 19:22 names Erastus as one who travelled with Timothy into Macedonia.
1 Corinthians 16:11
“Let no man, therefore, despise him - Let no one despise him on account of his youth and inexperience. It is probable that some of the more wealthy and proud, some who valued themselves on their wisdom and experience, would be disposed to look upon him with contempt. On another occasion, he directed Timothy so to live as that no one should have occasion to despise him on account of his youth 1Ti 4:12; and he here urges on the Corinthians, that they should not despise him because be was a young man, and comparatively inexperienced.”
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:11
“But pride was a reigning sin among the Corinthians, and such a caution was but too necessary. Note, Christians should be very careful not to pour contempt on any, but especially on ministers, the faithful ministers of Christ. These, whether young or old, are to be had in high esteem for their works sake.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
brother Apollos: Now about is the formula Paul uses for the questions of the Corinthians' letter, first at 7:1. The Greek for inclined is thelema, will, and Paul leaves Apollos free to judge his own timing. Apostolic urging stopped short of command.
1 Corinthians 16:12
“As touching our brother Apollos - It appears from this that the brethren, of whom the apostle speaks in the preceding verse, were then with him at Ephesus; I, with the brethren, greatly desired to come. But his will was not at all to come - As there had been a faction set up in the name of Apollos at Corinth, he probably thought it not prudent to go thither at this time, lest his presence might be the means of giving it either strength or countenance.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:12
“Note, Faithful ministers are not apt to entertain jealousies of each other, nor suspect of such selfish designs. True charity and brotherly love think no evil. And where should these reign, if not in the breasts of the ministers of Christ?”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Watch, Stand Fast, Let All Be Done in Love
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Be on the alert: Four military commands, the third being andrizesthe, be men of courage, address a church that had been childish, unstable and weak. Verse 14 gives them their law, do everything in love, so agape governs even the militancy.
1 Corinthians 16:13
“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.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:13
“He shows that they ought to make their hopes of salvation to depend not on Apollos or any other teacher; that it rests with themselves. "Watch ye": for ye are slumbering. "Stand": for ye are like men tottering.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
Do everything in love: Love here is agape, the love chapter 13 described as patient, kind, and keeping no account of wrongs. The verse covers everything, including the collection, the travel plans, and the firm commands of verse 13. Every act takes place inside love.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“This is against those who were disturbing and tearing apart the Church. Whether someone teaches, whether someone learns, whether someone rebukes, let everything, he says, be done with love, and through the mediation of love there will be neither pride nor division.”
Theophylact of Ohrid · written before 1107 · Commentary on 1 Corinthianspatristic
1 Corinthians 16:15-18
You know that Stephanas and: Stephanas and his household, Achaia's first converts, devoted themselves to the service of the saints, etaxan heautous, self-appointed to serve. Corinth is to submit to such as these, authority in this letter flowing to proven service.
1 Corinthians 16:15
“He gives us their character (1.) The household of Stephanas is mentioned by him, and their character is, that they were the first-fruits of Achaia, the first converts to Christianity in that region of Greece in which Corinth was. Note, It is an honourable character to any man to be early a Christian, betimes in Christ.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:15
“The image is from the first-fruits offered to the Lord (Le 23:10; compare 1Co 15:20). The members of this family had been baptized by Paul himself (1Co 1:16). addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints--Translate, "Set themselves, (that is, voluntarily) to minister unto the saints" (compare 2Co 8:4).”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
to submit to such as these: Submit is hypotasso, to arrange oneself under, the same verb used of the spirits of prophets at 14:32. Laborer comes from kopiao, toil to the point of weariness, the verb Paul uses of his own work at 15:10. Authority follows hard service.
1 Corinthians 16:16
“That ye submit yourselves unto such - That ye have due regard to them, and consider them as especial instruments in the hand of God for countenancing and carrying on his great work. The submission here recommended does not imply obedience, but kind and courteous demeanour. Kypke vindicates this sense of the word from Eph 5:21; 1Pe 5:5.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus: Fortunatus and Achaicus are Latin names, common in Corinth, a city refounded as a Roman colony in 44 BC. Hodge and Barnes read supplied what was lacking as their presence making up for the absence of the whole church. They brought Corinth to Paul.
1 Corinthians 16:17
“I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus,.... Who very probably were those of the household of Chloe, mentioned in 1Co 1:11, who came either of their own accord, or were sent as messengers from the church at Corinth to the apostle; who was glad to see them, one of them being baptized by him, and perhaps all of them converted under his ministry: however, they were believers in Christ, if not ministers of the Gospel, which seems very probable.”
refreshed my spirit: Refreshed is anapauo, the verb of Jesus' promise of rest in Matthew 11:28. The visitors' company reached back to Corinth, and the church shared in Paul's relief. Paul asks the church to honour such men.
1 Corinthians 16:18
“They have refreshed my spirit and yours - They have been a means of contributing greatly to my comfort; and what contributes to my comfort must increase yours. This is probably the meaning of the apostle. Therefore acknowledge ye them - Pay them particular respect, and let all be held in esteem in proportion to their work and usefulness. When this is made the rule of respect and esteem, then foolish and capricious attachments will have no place. A man will then be honored in proportion to his merit; and his merit will be estimated by his usefulness among men.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 Corinthians 16:19-21
The churches in the province: Aquila and Prisca, who hosted Paul at Corinth, now host the church that meets at their house. Then Paul takes the pen from the scribe, and the greeting in his own hand authenticates the letter, as 2 Thessalonians 3:17 explains.
1 Corinthians 16:19
“The churches of Asia - The word “Asia” in the New Testament usually denotes Asia Minor in general; see the note on Act 2:9. It was sometimes used in a more limited sense, to denote the region around Ephesus, and of which Ephesus was the center and capital; see note, Act 16:6. This is the region undoubtedly which is intended here. Salute you - Greet you; send respectful and affectionate Christian regards; see the note at Rom 16:3. Aquila and Priscilla - See the note on Act 18:26. Much in the Lord - With affectionate Christian salutations; or as Christians.”
2 more voices on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:19
“The churches of Asia salute you,.... The Syriac version renders it, "all" the churches.”
1 Corinthians 16:19
“In some cases (as, for instance, were they cast away on a foreign shore, where there are no other Christians), they should be a church themselves, if large enough, and live in the use of all ordinances; but in common cases they should live under the direction of Christian rules, and daily offer up Christian worship.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Greet one another with a holy kiss: The holy kiss appears in four of Paul's letters and as the kiss of love in 1 Peter 5:14. Justin Martyr records it in Rome about AD 155, exchanged before the bread and cup were brought. It marked believers as one family.
1 Corinthians 16:20
“All the brethren greet you,.... Either the brethren, the members of the church at Ephesus; or the apostle's brethren in the ministry, that were along with him, as Sosthenes and others; or the brethren that were come to him from Corinth, namely Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus: greet ye one another with an holy kiss; See Gill on Rom 16:16.”
2 more voices on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:20
“But when is peace more to be concluded with brethren than when, at the time of some religious observance, our prayer ascends with more acceptability; that they may themselves participate in our observance, and thereby be mollified for transacting with their brother touching. their own peace? What prayer is complete if divorced from the "holy kiss? " Whom does peace impede when rendering service to his Lord? What kind of sacrifice is that from which men depart without peace?”
Tertullian · written before 220 · On Prayerpatristic
1 Corinthians 16:20
“With a holy kiss - The ancient patriarchs, and the Jews in general, were accustomed to kiss each other whenever they met; and this was a token of friendship and peace with them, as shaking of hands is with us. The primitive Christians naturally followed this example of the Jews. See the note on Rom 16:16.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Paul dictated his letters, and Romans 16:22 names one of his scribes, Tertius. Galatians 6:11 draws attention to the large letters of his own hand. The last lines here carry his signature.
1 Corinthians 16:21
“The salutation of me, Paul, with mine own hand - It is evident that Paul was accustomed to employ an amanuensis (copyist) in penning his epistles (see the note on Rom 16:22), though he signed his own name, and expressed his Christian salutation in every epistle, 2Th 3:17; compare Col 4:18. This gave a sanction to what was written; was a proof that it was his own, and was a valuable token of affectionate regard. It was a proof that there was no fraud or imposition. Why he employed an amanuensis is not known.”
1 Corinthians 16:22-24
If anyone does not love: The last warning, in Paul's hand, pairs anathema with an Aramaic prayer, Come, O Lord. Read as marana tha it is the oldest recorded Christian prayer, echoed in Revelation 22:20.
1 Corinthians 16:22
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ,.... The Vulgate Latin, and the Syriac and Ethiopic versions, read "our Lord".”
3 more voices on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:22
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus - This is directed immediately against the Jews. From 1Co 12:3, we find that the Jews, who pretended to be under the Spirit and teaching of God, called Jesus αναθεμα, or accursed; i.e. a person who should be devoted to destruction: see the note on 1Co 12:3. In this place the apostle retorts the whole upon themselves, and says: If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let Him be αναθεμα, accursed, and devoted to destruction.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 Corinthians 16:22
“Love to one another is to be in connection with love to Him above all. IGNATIUS [Epistle to the Romans, 7] writes of Christ, "My love, has been crucified" (compare So 2:7). Jesus Christ--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. let him be Anathema--accursed with that curse which the Jews who call Jesus "accursed" (1Co 12:3) are bringing righteously on their own heads [BENGEL].”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
1 Corinthians 16:22
“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.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you: The letter opened with grace at 1:3 and gave thanks for grace at 1:4. Every letter of Paul closes with a blessing of grace. After sixteen chapters of correction, the last gift named is the Lord's favour.
1 Corinthians 16:23
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. This is the apostle's salutation in all his epistles, and is a token of the truth and genuineness of them; See Gill on Rom 16:20; and is a wish for a supply of all grace from Christ, and an increase of it in the saints; that they may have the communications of it to them, to quicken, invigorate, and draw forth into exercise the grace they have received, and to enable and assist them in the discharge of every duty.”
1 more voice on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:23
“The duty of a teacher is not only to persuade, but also to pray, and thus to confirm in a twofold manner: by teaching and by drawing down help from above through his prayers.”
Theophylact of Ohrid · written before 1107 · Commentary on 1 Corinthianspatristic
My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus: All of you takes in every faction of 1:12, including those who had set Paul aside. Chrysostom and Matthew Henry read the line as a sign that the letter's rebukes came from love. The last word is Amen.
1 Corinthians 16:24
“Because the Corinthians did not love one another, Paul gives them this teaching from himself, in order that they might learn to love each other with the same love with which they were loved by the apostle, not with carnal emotion but in Christ Jesus.”
Ambrosiaster · written before 384 · Commentary on Paul's Epistlespatristic
3 more voices on this verse
1 Corinthians 16:24
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus - It appears exceedingly strange that the apostle should say, My love be with you; as he said, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. We can easily conceive what the latter means: the grace of Christ is an active, powerful, saving principle; it is essential to the existence of the Christian Church that this grace should be ever with it: and without this grace no individual can be saved. But what could the love of the apostle do with them? Has it any meaning?”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 Corinthians 16:24
“Note, We should be cordial lovers of all who are in Christ, and who love him in sincerity. Not but we should love all men, and wish them well, and do them what good is in our power; but those must have our dearest affection who are dear to Christ, and lovers of him. May our love be with all those who are in Christ Jesus!”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
1 Corinthians 16:24
“My love, &c.--After having administered some severe rebukes, he closes with expressions of "love": his very rebukes were prompted by love, and therefore are altogether in harmony with the profession of love here made: it was love in Christ Jesus, and therefore embraced "all" who loved Him.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
How this psalm is built
The form: The closing of the letter: business (verses 1 to 12), final commands (verses 13 to 18), and greetings with a benediction (verses 19 to 24), as Hodge classes it.
The patterns in this chapter
| Device | What it does | Where to see it |
|---|---|---|
| Now about, the last two times | Verse 1 opens with Now about the collection and verse 12 with Now about our brother Apollos. They are the last of the six places, from 7:1 on, where Paul takes up a question from the Corinthians' letter.The chapter's text counted from the store, The Berean Standard Bible text of 1 Corinthians 7:1, 7:25, 8:1, 12:1, 16:1 and 16:12 (translation id 3). | 1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 16:1, 1 Corinthians 16:12 |
| Five short commands | Verses 13 and 14 give five commands in a row: be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong, and do everything in love. The first four sound like orders to soldiers on watch, and the fifth ties them to chapter 13.Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 1 Corinthians 16:13 to 14. | 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Corinthians 16:14 |
| The signature and the Aramaic cry | Verse 21 marks where Paul took the pen from his scribe and wrote the greeting himself. Verse 22 closes with Come, O Lord, which stands in the Greek as the Aramaic Maranatha, a prayer the Greek-speaking church kept in the language of the first believers.Charles Hodge, An Exposition of the First Epistle to the Corinthians, on 1 Corinthians 16:21 to 22. | 1 Corinthians 16:21, 1 Corinthians 16:22 |
The first day of the week
5 more paragraphs on the patterns
Verse 2 asks each believer to set aside a portion on the first day of every week. Acts 20:7 shows the church at Troas gathered on the first day of the week to break bread. Justin Martyr describes the Christians of Rome meeting on the day of the sun, where those who have means give as they choose for the orphans, the widows and all in need (First Apology 67).
Maranatha
The Aramaic words at verse 22 can be divided as Our Lord, come, a prayer, or as Our Lord has come, a confession. The Berean text reads Come, O Lord, the prayer. The Didache uses the same word at the close of its prayers after the Lord's Supper (Didache 10.6), and Revelation 22:20 prays Come, Lord Jesus.
What the chapter hands forward
The plans of verses 5 to 7 changed, and 2 Corinthians 1:15 to 2:4 explains why Paul did not come as he had said. Timothy's visit of verse 10 and the collection of verses 1 to 4 return in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.
Keep studying
Studies6
Sources for this chapter
The summary
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory; John Calvin, Commentaries; John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament and Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary.
The form and classifications
Charles Hodge, An Exposition of the First Epistle to the Corinthians, on 1 Corinthians 16:1 and Frederic Godet, Commentary on First Corinthians, on 1 Corinthians 16:1 and 16:12.
The exposition
Albert Barnes, Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the First Epistle to the Corinthians; Alexander Maclaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture, Corinthians; Charles Hodge, An Exposition of the First Epistle to the Corinthians; Frederic Godet, Commentary on First Corinthians; Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible; John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Corinthians; John Gill, Exposition of the New Testament; Justin Martyr, First Apology and Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible.