What should guide us as we give to poor believers around the world? What can we learn from specific 1st century believers about serving the Lord? What are the specific exhortations that were on Paul’s mind when he closed out this letter?
Teaching Notes:
Paul’s Final Instructions to the Corinthians
1 Corinthians 16:1-24
Intro:
In chapter 16 Paul comes to the end of his letter and gives them some final instructions and greetings.
1. The Collection For The Saints: 16:1-4
· What was the purpose of this collection? It was for the “saints” at Jerusalem (vs.3). Rom.15:25-27. The believers in Jerusalem were poor, perhaps from losing their jobs due to persecution, and a severe famine (Acts 11:27-30). Not only did these believers have physical needs due to poverty, but the collection was a way to show support and unity between Jews and Gentiles. Paul was traveling to all of the churches he had planted, and gathering an offering for the poor in Jerusalem. Note: this passage is not describing the usual, ongoing giving to the local church. In fact, that is never described in the NT! There are only occasional hints (elders worthy of double honor; supporting certain widows).
· How were they to participate in the collection? On the first day of every week: scholars are divided on how to understand this. Some see that a collection was made at the church meeting which was held on the 1st day of every week (Sunday), which was put aside and saved until Paul arrived. Others see Paul as urging the Corinthians to put aside and save up at home on the first day of every week, because that is when they were paid. Then, before Paul arrived, all the saved monies would be collected and then given to Paul when he arrived.
· Who should participate in the collection? Each one: every member of the church had the duty and privilege of giving! No one was exempt, even the slaves. Just as prayer, fasting, Scripture intake, and fellowship are duties and privileges of every member of the church, so is giving!
· How much were they to give? As he may prosper: Paul does not give them a percentage; he gives them a principle. Those that had more were to give more than those that had less. There is never a mention in any of the NT epistles of a percentage which believers are to give. Tithing is an OT principle that God required of the Israelites. However, tithing is not taught in the NT. The reason? Because once a person becomes a Christian, they lose all ownership rights; they now have stewardship responsibilities. If you are a Christian, you don’t own anything any more! God owns it all, and has entrusted you with the duty of managing His possessions. Thus, each believer must seek God as to how much of His money He wants His children to give.
· How Did Paul Prevent the Mishandling of Funds? Note: no one person carried this gift, not even the apostle Paul! An envoy traveled to Jerusalem, not only to make sure the funds arrived there safe and sound, but to provide face to face support and fellowship.
· What kind of authority did Paul exercise in the collection? The local church chose who would carry the gift: not Paul. However, Paul would send them. If Paul went, they would go with Paul; Paul would not go with them. It is clear that Paul is clearly in charge, even though he grants the local churches the right to choose their representatives.
2. Paul’s Travel Plans: 16:5-9
· What is Paul planning on doing? He’s in Ephesus. He’s going to travel through Macedonia (Phillipi, Thessalonica, Berea), and come to Corinth where he would like to spend a long visit, perhaps through the winter.
· How Did Paul Make His Travel Plans? Early in my pastoral ministry (1990-1991) a man in our church told me I should never make any decisions until I was absolutely sure God wanted me to do it. In other words, I had to hear God speak to me before I made any decisions. Well, apparently the apostle Paul would not have passed his test! So, how did Paul make his plans? His Desires: I do not wish; I hope to remain with you for some time if the Lord permits. His Circumstances: for a wide door for effective service has opened to me. There was a tremendous work of the Spirit in Ephesus, extraordinary miracles and the conversion of many magicians. Of course Paul sought the Lord, but sometimes God did not give him a straight answer. So, Paul considered his own desires – “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” and his present circumstances. We need to ask what are the God-given desires He has placed in my heart. And, considering my present circumstances, what is wise and honoring to God?
3. Specific Saints:
1) Timothy: 16:10-11.
· Why would Timothy have reason to be afraid? 1) His age – 1Tim.4:12; 2) His personality – 2Tim.1:6-8; 3) their anger toward Paul. Paul has said some hard things to the Corinthians, and they might be tempted to take it out on Paul’s younger assistant.
· How should the Corinthians regard Timothy? As the Lord’s servant; respect and honor him, help him on his way, be at peace with him. This is a good model for us in treating all those involved in the Lord’s work – honor and respect them and seek to be at peace with them.
2) Apollos: 16:12
· Why does Paul bring up Apollos? Apparently because they had asked about him in their letter to Paul. Notice “but concerning Apollos.” When Paul says “now concerning” or “but concerning” he is referring to something they had asked about.
· How does Paul handle it when Apollos does not want to follow his directions? Paul encouraged him greatly to come to Corinth. However, Apollos didn’t want to. Did Paul try to force him into coming? No, he dropped it and let Apollos decide if and when he should go. There’s nothing wrong with strongly encouraging someone to a course of action, but if they don’t want to do it, you’ll have to drop it. The only exception would be if they are in a state of sin and won’t repent. Then, you don’t let it drop, but initiate church discipline. We need to allow each other to serve the Lord freely. If our service is manipulated or coerced by another, it is not pleasing to the Lord.
3) The Household Of Stephanas: 16:15-18
· Who were they? The first fruits of Achaia – some of the first believers converted in this region. They have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints. This whole family completely devoted themselves to serving the saints, probably teaching, encouraging, exhorting them as well as taking care of their needs.
· How should the Corinthians respond to them? Be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. Apparently there weren’t appointed elders yet in Corinth. However, the rest of the church is to submit themselves to those who were devoted to ministering to the saints. Note that authority in Corinth flowed out of practical ministry, not an office. An office in the church should just be the reflection of practical ministry that is taking place.
· What did they do for Paul? They traveled to Ephesus to be with him, they brought greetings, fellowship, and news from home. They refreshed Paul’s spirit.
4) Aquila and Priscilla: 16:19.
· What do we know about them? Paul met them when he came to Corinth the first time. Paul and Aquila were tentmakers. They later moved to Ephesus and were an integral part of the church there. Later they moved to Rome, and hosted a church in their house. Finally, we see them in Corinth with a church in their house. Wherever they were, they were serving the Lord, often with a church meeting in their home. What a great example! Does your life look like theirs? Are you enthusiastically seeking out ways you can serve the Lord and His church?
4. Specific Exhortations:
1) Be on the alert: 16:13. Against Satan (1Pet.5:8), and for the Lord (Mt.24:42).
2) Stand firm in the faith: 16:13. This is a throwback to 15:58 – be steadfast, immovable. Don’t allow false teachers to cause you to give any ground in your confidence in the gospel.
3) Act like men: 16:13. Be courageous in the face of difficulties. Don’t wimp out.
4) Be strong: 16:13. This shows how to act like men. Be strong in your faith, and in the Lord.
5) Let all that you do be done in love: 16:14. Do this because that which is not done in love is worthless – 1 Cor.13.
6) Greet one another with a holy kiss: 16:20. Be warmly affectionate with one another. Demonstrate your love for each other physically. We are family – act like it!
Closing Words: 16:21-24
1. The greeting is in my own hand – Paul: 16:21. Evidently Paul had been dictating this letter to a secretary, but at this point, he picks up the pen and signs off in his own handwriting.
2. If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha: 16:22. This is the strongest possible statement. A man can be saved if he lapses into sexual sin like David, or the fear of man like Peter, but he can’t be saved if he doesn’t love Jesus. God’s curse is upon him, and he is on the broad way that leads to destruction! Love for Christ is absolutely essential!
3. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you: 16:23. This is the way Paul signs off on every letter. He was the apostle of grace. This is what these believers needed more than anything – God’s grace!
4. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus: 16:24. In spite of all the problems in Corinth that Paul had to rebuke and correct, he wants them to be assured of his undying love for them. Amen.
Application Questions:
1. In light of vs.1-4, how does your giving need to change?
2. In light of what we read about Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, and Aquila and Priscilla, who do you long to be like? Why?
3. Do you need to especially heed any of Paul’s exhortations (be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, let all that you do be done in love)? Why?
______________________________
© The Bridge
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by The Bridge.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Brian Anderson. © The Bridge. Website: www.TheBridgeOnline.net
Follow Us!