the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 4 of 5
1 Corinthians 16:10-24
These verses contain the final recommendations of the apostle, several items of news which he passes on, and last of all the greetings which he sends to his dear Corinthians. Amongst them, he is pleased to recognise some devoted brothers worthy of respect: Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus and he gives their names to the Corinthians as examples (1 Timothy 3:13).
For these believers at Corinth who were concerned only with the outward spectacular results of Christianity, Paul has emphasized in turn what motives ought to direct their actions: "Do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). "Let all things be done unto edifying" (1 Corinthians 14:26). "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). Finally in this chapter: "Let all your things be done with charity (love)" (v. 14). It is with this word "love" that Paul concludes so severe an epistle (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:8). Taking no account of the divisions which existed at Corinth he declares: "My love be with you all in Christ Jesus". Nevertheless, given this last condition, if there were some who did not love the Lord, they excluded themselves from this greeting and His coming took on a solemn character for them. "Maranatha"! The Lord is coming. May we be enabled to wait for Him with joy!
