1 Corinthians 16: Paul's Final Instructions and Greetings

Short answer: 1 Corinthians 16 concludes Paul's letter with practical guidance on collecting for the saints, his travel intentions, and final exhortations. It emphasizes love, steadfastness, and respect for those who serve.

What 1 Corinthians 16 says

Paul opens the chapter with instructions about a collection for the saints. He tells the Corinthians to set aside money on the first day of every week, each according to their prosperity, so that no collections need to be made when he arrives. He mentions that he gave the same command to the assemblies in Galatia. When he comes, he will send approved men with letters to carry the gift to Jerusalem. If it seems appropriate, he may go as well. This section shows Paul's concern for orderly giving and for the relief of the Jerusalem church, while also ensuring that the Corinthians have time to prepare their contribution.

Paul then outlines his travel plans. He intends to pass through Macedonia and then come to Corinth, possibly staying or even wintering with them, so they can send him on his journey. He does not want to see them only in passing but hopes to stay a while, if the Lord permits. He plans to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost because a great and effective door has opened to him, and there are many adversaries. This reveals Paul's strategic thinking and his openness to the Lord's direction, as well as the reality of opposition alongside opportunity.

Next, Paul gives instructions about Timothy and Apollos. If Timothy comes, the Corinthians should receive him without fear, for he does the work of the Lord just as Paul does. No one should despise him, but they should send him on his way in peace so he can return to Paul, who expects him with the brothers. Concerning Apollos, Paul strongly urged him to come with the brothers, but it was not his desire to come now; he will come when he has an opportunity. This section highlights the importance of honoring fellow workers and respecting personal timing in ministry.

Paul concludes with a series of exhortations and greetings. He calls the Corinthians to watch, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, and be strong, and to do everything in love. He commends the household of Stephanas as the first fruits of Achaia, who have devoted themselves to serving the saints, and urges the Corinthians to be subject to such people and to everyone who helps and labors. He rejoices at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who supplied what was lacking and refreshed his spirit. He sends greetings from the assemblies of Asia, from Aquila and Priscilla, and from the assembly in their house. He closes with a holy kiss, a personal greeting, a warning to those who do not love the Lord, a prayer for the Lord to come, and a final blessing of grace and love.

Verses that carry the chapter

• “On the first day of every week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2) — This verse establishes a pattern of regular, proportional giving on the first day of the week, emphasizing personal responsibility and preparation.
• “for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:9) — It captures the tension of ministry: a great opportunity paired with many adversaries, showing that open doors often come with opposition.
• “Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!” (1 Corinthians 16:13) — This verse packs five concise commands: watch, stand firm, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love, summarizing the Christian stance.
• “If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!” (1 Corinthians 16:22) — It pronounces a curse on those who do not love the Lord and adds the Aramaic prayer for Christ's coming, a sobering and hopeful ending.

Gospel connection

The chapter connects to the wider biblical story through its emphasis on love, service, and the lordship of Jesus. The collection for the saints reflects the early church's care for the needy, echoing the Old Testament's concern for the poor and the New Testament's call to bear one another's burdens. Paul's travel plans and his mention of an open door with adversaries show the advance of the gospel amid opposition, a theme that runs through Acts and the epistles. The final curse on those who do not love the Lord and the prayer for Christ's coming point to the ultimate hope of the gospel: that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead and to gather his people. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, mentioned in the closing, is the foundation of all the instructions given.

Application

This chapter asks readers to examine their giving, their support for those who labor in ministry, and their personal devotion to Christ. It calls for regular, intentional generosity, not last-minute or haphazard offerings. It encourages honoring and submitting to faithful workers, and it challenges believers to stand firm in the faith with courage and love. The closing warning about not loving the Lord and the prayer for his coming invite self-examination: do I truly love Jesus? The practical steps include setting aside money weekly, welcoming and supporting ministers like Timothy, and doing all things in love. It also reminds us that opportunities for service often come with opposition, so we must be watchful and strong.

Biblical fidelity check

The chapter does not specify the amount each person should give, only that it should be proportional to prosperity. It does not name the false teachers or describe the nature of the adversaries in Ephesus. It does not explain why Apollos did not want to come now, nor does it give details about the collection's delivery beyond the mention of letters and approved men. It does not describe the holy kiss beyond the instruction to greet one another with it. It does not elaborate on the curse for those who do not love the Lord, nor does it explain the meaning of the Aramaic phrase for Christ's coming. The text is silent on the outcome of Paul's travel plans and on the response of the Corinthians to these instructions.

Questions for study

1. What principles for giving can be drawn from Paul's instructions in verses 1 through 4, and how might they apply today?
2. Why does Paul mention both an open door and many adversaries in verse 9, and what does this suggest about ministry?
3. How does Paul want the Corinthians to treat Timothy and Apollos, and what does this reveal about Christian leadership and timing?
4. What does it mean to do everything in love, as stated in verse 14, and how does that shape the other commands in verse 13?
5. Why does Paul end with a curse and a prayer for the Lord to come, and how does that fit with his final greetings?

Keep reading

Related studies: 1 Corinthians 1 Bible Study, 1 Corinthians 10 Bible Study, 1 Corinthians 11 Bible Study, 1 Corinthians 12 Bible Study.

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FAQ

What is the collection for the saints mentioned in verse 1?

It was a financial gift being gathered for the believers in Jerusalem, likely to relieve poverty among them. Paul had given similar instructions to the Galatian churches.

Why does Paul say he will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost?

He explains that a great and effective door has opened to him there, and there are many adversaries. He sees both opportunity and opposition as reasons to remain.

What does it mean to greet one another with a holy kiss?

It was a customary form of greeting in the early church, expressing affection and unity among believers. The adjective holy indicates it should be done with purity and sincerity.