Bible Commentaries
1 Corinthians 16

Verse 1

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

The saints — A more solemn and a more affecting word, than if he had said, the poor.

Verse 2

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Let every one — Not the rich only: let him also that hath little, gladly give of that little.

According as he hath been prospered — Increasing his alms as God increases his substance. According to this lowest rule of Christian prudence, if a man when he has or gains one pound give a tenth to God, when he has or gains an hundred he will give the tenth of this also. And yet I show unto you a more excellent way. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Stint yourself to no proportion at all. But lend to God all you can.

Verse 4

And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

They shall go with me — To remove any possible suspicion.

Verse 5

Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

I pass through Macedonia — I purpose going that way.

Verse 7

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

I will not see you now — Not till I have been in Macedonia.

Verse 8

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

I will stay at Ephesus — Where he was at this time.

Verse 9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

A great door — As to the number of hearers.

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.

Verse 10

Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

Without fear — Of any one’s despising him for his youth.

For he worketh the work of the Lord — The true ground of reverence to pastors. Those who do so, none ought to despise.

Verse 11

Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

I look for him with the brethren — That accompany him.

Verse 12

As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

I besought him much — To come to you.

With the brethren — Who were then going to Corinth.

Yet he was by no means willing to come now — Perhaps lest his coming should increase the divisions among them.

Verse 13

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

To conclude.

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.

Be strong — To do and suffer all his will.

Verse 15

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

The first fruits of Achaia — The first converts in that province.

Verse 16

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

That ye also — In your turn.

Submit to such — So repaying their free service.

And to every one that worketh with us and laboureth — That labours in the gospel either with or without a fellow-labourer.

Verse 17

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaiacus — Who were now returned to Corinth but the joy which their arrival had occasioned remained still in his heart.

They have supplied what was wanting on your part — They have performed the offices of love, which you could not, by reason of your absence.

Verse 18

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours — Inasmuch as you share in my comfort.

Such therefore acknowledge — With suitable love and respect.

Verse 19

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Aquila and Priscilla had formerly made some abode at Corinth, and there St. Paul’s acquaintance with them began, Acts 18:1-2.

Verse 21

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

With my own hand — What precedes having been wrote by an amanuensis.

Verse 22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ — If any be an enemy to his person, offices, doctrines, or commands. Let him be Anathema. 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. This weighty sentence the apostle chose to write with his own hand; and to insert it between his salutation and solemn benediction, that it might be the more attentively regarded.