In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul spoke with his flock on matters concerning collecting money for the church and also to share with them a personal request for his visit.

Taking a Collection

Paul mentions that it was important to take up a collection for the Lord’s people. He presented the same advice that he had given to the church at Galatia: At the beginning of the week on the first day, everyone should set aside a small amount of money from their income.

This way, Paul would not have to take up a collection when he arrived. Once Paul did arrive, he would offer letters of introduction naming the men that the people approved. Then, their gift would be sent to them in Jerusalem.

Paul has a Special Request

Paul mentioned that he might stay with his followers on his way to Macedonia. He might even stay with them for an extended period of time. He mentioned that he did not want to stay with them solely for the short term and just in passing. He wanted to spend time with his followers and get to know them and encourage them.

Paul also requested that if Timothy came to visit them, they should make him feel safe. After all, his work was the work of the Lord and they should treat him well. He should be cared for and then sent along his way to see Paul.

Paul’s Encouraging Words

Paul made a plea to his followers. He asked them to be very strong and resolute in their faith. He urged them to submit to such persons as the house of Stephana as they have strongly devoted themselves to the Lord. Paul said his followers should submit to all those that have toiled to serve the Lord.

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1 Corinthians 16 (King James Version)

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

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.

3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I 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 do pass through Macedonia.

6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

7 For I will not see you now by the 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 is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

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.

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 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.

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

14 Let all your things be done with charity.

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,)

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

17 I am glad of 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 them that 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 an 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.

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