1 Corinthians 16:1

1Co 16:1-24. Directions as to the Collection for the Judean Christians: Paul's Future Plans: He Commends to Them Timothy, Apollos, &C. Salutations and Conclusions. 1. collection for the saints--at Jerusalem (Ro 15:26) and in Judea (Ac 11:29, 30; 24:17; compare 2Co 8:4; 9:1, 12). He says "saints" rather than "the poor," to remind the Corinthians that in giving, it is to the Lord's people, their own brethren in the faith. Towards the close of the national existence of the Jews, Judea and Jerusalem were harassed with various troubles, which in part affected the Jewish Christians. The community of goods which existed among them for a time gave temporary relief but tended ultimately to impoverish all by paralyzing individual exertion (Ac 2:44), and hence was soon discontinued. A beautiful fruit of grace it was, that he who had by persecutions robbed many of their all (Ac 26:10), should become the foremost in exertions for their relief. as I have given--rather, "gave order," namely, during my journey through Galatia, that mentioned in Ac 18:23. The churches of Galatia and Phrygia were the last which Paul visited before writing this Epistle. He was now at Ephesus, and came thither immediately from visiting them (Ac 18:23; 19:1). That he had not been silent in Galatia on contributions for the poor, appears from the hint let fall in his Epistle to that church (Ga 2:10): an undesigned coincidence and mark of genuineness [Paley, Horæ Paulinæ]. He proposes the Galatians as an example to the Corinthians, the Corinthians to the Macedonians, the Corinthians and Macedonians to the Romans (Ro 15:26, 27; 2Co 9:2). There is great force in example.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

1st Corinthians CHAPTER 16

The doctrinal part of this epistle was closed at the end of the 15th chapter. See the Introduction. Before closing the epistle, Paul adverts to some subjects of a miscellaneous nature, and particularly to the subject of a collection for the poor and persecuted Christians in Judea, on which his heart was much set, and to which he several times adverts in his epistles. 1Cor 16:1. This subject he had suggested to them when he was with them, and they had expressed, some time before, the utmost readiness to make the collection, and Paul had commended their readiness when he was urging the same subject in Macedonia. See 2Cor 9. It is evident, however, that for some cause, perhaps owing to the divisions and contentions in the church, this collection had not yet been made. Paul, therefore, calls their attention to it, and urges them to make it, and to forward it either by him alone, or with others, whom they might designate, to Judea, 1Cor 16:1-4. In connexion with this, he expresses his intention of coming to Corinth, and perhaps of passing the winter with them. He was then in Ephesus. He was expecting to go to Macedonia, probably on the business of the collection. He purposed not to visit them on his way to Macedonia, but on his return. He had formerly intended to pass through Corinth on his way to Macedonia, and had perhaps, given them such an intimation of his purpose, 2Cor 1:16,17. But from some cause, 2Cor 1:15, also 2Cor 1:16-23 he tells the Christians that he had abandoned the purpose of seeing them on the way to Macedonia, though he still intended to go to Macedonia, trod would see them on his return, 1Cor 16:5-7. At that time there was a state of things in Ephesus which required his presence. His labours were greatly blessed; and, as a consequence which often attends the successful preaching of the gospel, there was much opposition. He had resolved, therefore, to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, 1Cor 16:8,9. In the mean time, to show them his deep interest in them, he informed them that Timothy was coming among them, for whom he asked a kind and cordial reception, and assured them that he had endeavoured to persuade Apollos to visit them, but was not able, 1Cor 16:10-12. Paul then urges them to watch, and be firm, and live in love, 1Cor 16:13,14;) and then besought them to show particular attention to the family of Stephanas, the first fruits of Achaia, 1Cor 16:15,16;) and expresses his gratitude that Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus had come to him at Ephesus, 1Cor 16:17,18. They were probably the persons by whom the Corinthians had sent their letter, 1Cor 7:1, and by whom Paul sent this epistle. He then closes the whole epistle with Christian salutations; with an expression of regard in his own handwriting; with a solemn charge to love the Lord Jesus Christ, as the great thing to be done, and with the assurance that, if not done, it would expose the soul to a dreadful curse when the Lord should come; with an invocation of the grace of the Lord Jesus to be with them; and with a tender expression of his own love to them all, 1Cor 16:19-24.

Verse 1. Now concerning the collection for the saints.The use of the article here shows that he had mentioned it to them before, and that it was a subject which they would readily understand. It was not new to them, but it was needful only to give some instructions in regard to the manner in which it should be done, and not in regard to the occasion for the collection, or the duty of making it, Accordingly, all his instructions relate simply to the manner in which the collection should be made. The word rendered collection (λογιας) does not occur anywhere else in the New Testament, and is not found in the classic writers. It is from λεγω, to collect, and, undoubtedly, here refers to a contribution, or collection of money for a charitable purpose. The word saints (αγιους) here refers, doubtless, to Christians; to the persecuted Christians in Judea. There were many there; and they were generally poor, and exposed to various trials. In regard to the meaning of this word, and the circumstances and occasion of this collection, Rom 15:25, Rom 15:26.

As I have given order. διεταξα. As I have directed, enjoined, commanded, arranged. It does not mean that he had assumed the authority to tax them, or that he had commanded them to make a collection, but that he had left directions as to the best manner and time in which it should be done. The collection was voluntary and cheerful in all the churches, Rom 15:26,27, 2Cor 9:2; and Paul did not assume authority to impose it on them as a tax. Nor was it necessary. Self-denial and liberality were among the distinguishing virtues of the early Christians; and to be a Christian then implied that a man would freely impart of his property to aid the poor and the needy. The order related solely to the manner of making the collection; and as Paul had suggested one mode to the churches in Galatia, he recommended the same now to the Corinthians.

To the churches of Galatia. Galatia was a province in Asia Minor. On its situation, Acts 16:6. There were evidently several churches planted in that region. See Gal 1:2. At what time he gave this order to the churches is not mentioned; though it was doubltless on occasion of a visit to the churches there. See Acts 16:6.

(a) "as I have given order" Gal 2:10 (*) "order" "appointed"

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Introduction

The apostle exhorts the Corinthians to make a contribution for the relief of the poor Christians at Jerusalem; and directs to the best mode of doing it, 1Cor 16:1-4. Promises to pay them a visit after pentecost, 1Cor 16:5-9. Gives directions about the treatment of Timothy and Apollos, 1Cor 16:10-12. And concerning watchfulness, etc., 1Cor 16:13, 1Cor 16:14. Commends the house of Stephanas, and expresses his satisfaction at the visit paid him by Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus, 1Cor 16:15-18. Sends the salutations of different persons, 1Cor 16:19, 1Cor 16:21. Shows the awful state of those who were enemies to Christ, 1Cor 16:22. And concludes the epistle with the apostolical benediction, 1Cor 16:23, 1Cor 16:24.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

The good examples of other Christians and churches should rouse us. It is good to lay up in store for good uses. Those who are rich in this world, should be rich in good works, 1Ti 6:17, 18. The diligent hand will not make rich, without the Divine blessing, Pr 10:4, 22. And what more proper to stir us up to charity to the people and children of God, than to look at all we have as his gift? Works of mercy are real fruits of true love to God, and are therefore proper services on his own day. Ministers are doing their proper business, when putting forward, or helping works of charity. The heart of a Christian minister must be towards the people among whom he has laboured long, and with success. All our purposes must be made with submission to the Divine providence, Jas 4:15. Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal, and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by the hardness of his hearers' hearts, and the backslidings of professors, than by the enemies' attempts.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain