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| Chapter 16 |
| Bible Text | Notes and Thoughts |
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1 ¶ Now concerning the collection for the saints: As I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay aside in store as God hath prospered him, so that there need be no gatherings when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever ye shall approve by your letters I will send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. 4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. 5 ¶ Now I will come unto you when I shall pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may send me on my journey whithersoever I go. 7 For I will not see you now on my way, but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. 8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great door, and effectual, has opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. 10 ¶ Now if Timothy come, see that he may be with you without fear, for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. 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. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos: I greatly desired that he should come unto you with the brethren, but it was not at all his will to come at this time; but he will come when it shall be convenient. 13 ¶ Watch ye; stand fast in the faith; acquit yourselves like men; be strong. 14 Let all your things be done with charity. 15 I beseech you, brethren (ye know the household of Stephanas and that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints), 16 that ye submit yourselves unto such and to everyone that helpeth with us and laboreth. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours; therefore acknowledge ye those who are such. 19 ¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with a holy kiss. 21 The salutation of me, Paul, with mine own hand. 22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema. Maranatha! 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. |
v1-4 The Doctrine of Giving. v1-2 the reason. As Paul preached the Gospel he also tried to help those who need physical and financial help. Gal 2:10; It is possible that Paul was also using the ‘help’ to build bridges between the churches, the non Jew and the Jew. Rom 15:25-27. Giving is an act of worship, on the Lord’s day give as God has provided for you. A thank you. Paul did not want to make collections when he came, he wanted the offering to be made in love not demand. The Jewish members would have been use to the tithe (tenth, 10% of income) but Paul does not mention a size of offering but is suggesting "as God hath prospered him," the rich give more. v5-24 Service. Paul now talks about his plans for the future, there are many ‘may be’ and the ultimate "if the Lord permit." Paul was in Ephesus when he wrote this letter, he planned to work his way through Macedonia and pass the winter time in Corinth. But this was not to happen. v9 God had opened the door of ministry in Ephesus and Paul was not willing to leave to go to the Corinthians who were a powerful church and should not have needed his help. v10-24 Concern of people working with him. Paul often names people who had or were working with him in the ministry. Often today’s churches concentrate on finance and responses but forget the people who are needed to take up the opportunities to serve the Lord. Jesus never offered riches to His disciples but He spent 3 years caring and training them for their future ministry. Timothy was one of Paul’s close workers Acts 16:1-5; 2 Tim 1:5; 1 Tim 1:2; Phil 2:19-23. Paul told them to respect Timothy, though v10 suggest he may have had a physical problem. 1 Tim 5:23; 2 Tim 1:4. v12 Paul appears to have wanted Apollos to come to Corinth but Apollos felt a later visit would be better. Paul did not argue with this decision. v13,14 Watch out!! Satan will take any opportunity to attack a church or person. "Stand fast in the faith," be mature, Paul had previously warned them that they were behaving like children. ‘Act like men,’ but let everything be done in love. v15-18 the household of Stephanas, the first people saved in Achaia, had devoted themselves to the work. The entire family were seeing a need in the work and were meeting each need without being asked. Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus were the official committee who had gone to Paul with the problems at Corinthian church. But they also encourage Paul with their visit. v19-24 Final greetings. Aquila and Priscilla are mentioned often they must have been a devoted couple for the Lord. Acts 18:1-3; Acts 18:24-28. v20 "Greet ye one another with a holy kiss." Was the common way of greeting in New Testament times, ‘Shake hands’ is today’s equivalent. v22 "Anathema." means ‘accursed’ not to love Jesus means not to believe in Him, you are accursed. "Maranatha!" Our Lord come! |
Easy English Translation
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