1 Corinthians
Chapter 16
Overview
Paul closes his letter with practical matters, travel plans, and a crowded room of names. He organizes a weekly collection for God’s people in Jerusalem, explains why his own visit must wait, and asks the Corinthians to welcome Timothy and respect those who serve faithfully. The setting stretches across the eastern Roman world, from Ephesus and Macedonia to Corinth and Jerusalem, while house-based communities exchange greetings over the miles. The chapter moves briskly, yet its center is simple: courage and love must travel together. Even an ordinary goodbye can reveal how deeply a community is connected.
1Now about the collection for God’s people: Follow the same directions I gave the communities of believers in Galatia.
2On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside and save whatever your income allows. Then no collections will have to be taken when I arrive.
3When I arrive, I will send the people you approve, with letters of introduction, to carry your generous contribution to Jerusalem.
4If it seems worthwhile for me to go too, they will travel with me.
5I will come to you after I travel through Macedonia, because I plan to pass through that region.
6Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter there. Then you can help me on my way wherever I go next.
7I do not want to see you now only for a brief visit. I hope to stay with you for some time, if the Lord permits it.
8But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, the Jewish festival held fifty days after Passover.
9A wide door has opened for me—that is, a great opportunity for productive work—although many people oppose me.
10If Timothy comes, make sure he has no reason to be afraid while he is with you. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.
11So no one should treat him as unimportant. Send him on his way in peace so that he can come to me, because I am waiting for him along with the other believers.
12Now about our fellow believer Apollos: I strongly urged him to visit you with the others, but he was not at all willing to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity.
13Stay alert. Stand firm in your faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
14Do everything with love.
15Brothers and sisters, you know the household of Stephanas. They were among the first people in Achaia to believe, and they have devoted themselves to serving God’s people. I urge you
16to follow the leadership of people like them and of everyone who shares in this work and labors hard.
17I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have made up for your absence.
18They have refreshed my spirit, just as they have refreshed yours. Give proper recognition to people like them.
19The communities of believers in the Roman province of Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Prisca warmly greet you as fellow followers of the Lord, along with the community of believers that meets in their home.
20All the believers here greet you. Greet one another with a kiss as a sincere sign of your shared devotion to God.
21I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
22If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be under God’s curse. Our Lord, come!
23May the Lord Jesus give you his generous kindness.
24My love is with all of you who are united with Jesus the Messiah.