1 Corinthians 16

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.

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.

When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.

If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.

I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.

But with you it may be that I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.

For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,

for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.

Now concerning Apollos the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.

Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!

Let all that you do be done in love.

Now I beg you, brothers—you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints—

that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.

For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.

All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.

If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter addresses practical matters of Christian stewardship, ministry collaboration, and ecclesial order, while closing with exhortations to watchfulness, love, and unity. As the final chapter of 1 Corinthians, it shifts from doctrinal correction to administrative and relational concerns, preparing the church for Paul’s upcoming visit and reinforcing their connection to the broader body of believers.

Flow.

Paul gives instructions for a collection for the saints in Jerusalem, outlining a regular, proportional pattern of giving on the Lord’s Day (vv. 1–4).
He outlines his travel plans, intending to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia and staying at Ephesus until Pentecost (vv. 5–9).
He commends Timothy and Apollos, urging the church to receive them with honor and peace (vv. 10–12).
The chapter concludes with a series of urgent exhortations, recognition of faithful workers, personal greetings, and a benediction (vv. 13–24).

Connections.
Following chapter 15, which culminates in the resurrection as the foundation of Christian hope and labor, chapter 16 applies that hope to present responsibilities: giving, perseverance in ministry, and mutual recognition among believers. The resurrection life Paul describes in chapter 15 now takes shape in practical acts of generosity and church order, which chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians will later revisit in the context of grace and integrity in ministry. Paul’s emphasis on love and service here bridges the theological weight of resurrection with the ethical demands of community life, forming a fitting close to his pastoral response to the Corinthians’ divisions and immaturity.

What it teaches.
The chapter underscores the importance of orderly, intentional giving as an act of stewardship (WCF 24.2), to be done regularly and proportionally, reflecting gratitude to God. It affirms the value of faithful ministry labor, whether in the person of Timothy, Apollos, or the household of Stephanas, all of whom exemplify service to the body (, cf. HC LD 31). The call to “watch, stand firm, be courageous, be strong” (v. 13) echoes Israel’s wartime readiness, now spiritualized in the context of enduring opposition (cf. WCF 17.3 on perseverance). The final command—“Let all that you do be done in love”—sums up the ethic of the new covenant community (, cf. WCF 13.2 on sanctification), while the Aramaic invocation “Maranatha” (“Come, Lord!”) points to the imminence of Christ’s return (WCF 32.1).

Apply.
Serve faithfully in the household of God, knowing that even practical acts of giving and welcome are shaped by the coming of Christ.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.