1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16:1

Now concerning the collection for the saints (περδετηςλογιαςτηςειςτουςαγιους). Paul has discussed all the problems raised by the Corinthians. Now he has on his own heart the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (see chapters 1 Corinthians 16:2; 1 Corinthians 16:9). This word λογια (or -εια) is now known to be derived from a late verb λογευω, to collect, recently found in papyri and inscriptions (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 143). The word λογια is chiefly found in papyri, ostraca, and inscriptions that tell of religious collections for a god or a temple (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 105). The introduction of this topic may seem sudden, but the Corinthians were behind with their part of it.

They may even have asked further about it. Paul feels no conflict between discussion of the resurrection and the collection.

So also do ye (ουτωςκαυμαςποιησατε). Paul had given orders (διεταξα) to the churches of Galatia and now gives them like commands. As a matter of fact, they had promised a long time before this (2 Corinthians 8:10; 2 Corinthians 9:1-5). Now do what you pledged.

1 Corinthians 16:2

Upon the first day of the week (καταμιανσαββατου). For the singular σαββατου (sabbath) for week see Luke 18:12; Mark 16:9. For the use of the cardinal μιαν in sense of ordinal πρωτην after Hebrew fashion in LXX (Robertson, Grammar, p. 672) as in Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; Acts 20:7. Distributive use of κατα also.

Lay by him in store (παρ’ εαυτωτιθετωθησαυριζων). By himself, in his home. Treasuring it (cf. Matthew 6:19f. for θησαυριζω). Have the habit of doing it, τιθετω (present imperative).

As he may prosper (οτεανευοδωτα). Old verb from ευ, well, and οδος, way or journey, to have a good journey, to prosper in general, common in LXX. In N.T. only here and Romans 1:10; 3 John 1:2. It is uncertain what form ευοδωτα is, present passive subjunctive, perfect passive indicative, or even perfect passive subjunctive (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 54). The old MSS. had no accents. Some MSS. even have ευοδωθη (first aorist passive subjunctive). But the sense is not altered. Hοτ is accusative of general reference and εαν can occur either with the subjunctive or indicative. This rule for giving occurs also in 2 Corinthians 8:12. Paul wishes the collections to be made before he comes.

1 Corinthians 16:3

When I arrive (οτανπαραγενωμα). Whenever I arrive, indefinite temporal conjunction οταν and second aorist middle subjunctive.

Whomsoever ye shall approve by letters (ουςεανδοκιμασητεδι’ επιστολων). Indefinite relative with εαν and aorist subjunctive of δοκιμαζω (to test and so approve as in Philippians 1:10). “By letters” to make it formal and regular and Paul would approve their choice of messengers to go with him to Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:20ff.). Curiously enough no names from Corinth occur in the list in Acts 20:4.

To carry (απενεγκειν). Second aorist active infinitive of αποφερω, to bear away.

Bounty (χαριν). Gift, grace, as in 2 Corinthians 8:4-7. As a matter of fact, the messengers of the churches (αποστολοεκκλησιων 2 Corinthians 8:23) went along with Paul to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4f.).

1 Corinthians 16:4

And if it be meet for me to go also (εανδεαξιονητουκαμεπορευεσθα). “If the collection be worthy of the going as to me also.” Condition of third class (εαν–η) and the articular infinitive in the genitive (του) after αξιον. The accusative of general reference (καμε, me also) with the infinitive. So the awkward phrase clears up.

1 Corinthians 16:5

When I shall have passed through Macedonia (οτανΜακεδονιανδιελθω). “Whenever I pass through (second aorist active subjunctive of διερχομα) Macedonia” (see construction in verse 3).

I do pass through (διερχομα). I plan to pass through, futuristic use of present indicative.

1 Corinthians 16:6

It may be (τυχον). Neuter accusative of second aorist active participle of τυγχανω used as an adverb (in Plato and Xenophon, but nowhere else in N.T.).

Or even winter (ηκαπαραχειμασω). Future active of late verb παραχειμαζω (χειμων, winter). See on Acts 27:12; Acts 28:11; Titus 3:12. He did stay in Corinth for three months (Acts 20:3), probably the coming winter.

Whithersoever I go (ουεανπορευωμα). Indefinite local clause with subjunctive. As a matter of fact, Paul had to flee from a conspiracy in Corinth (Acts 20:3).

1 Corinthians 16:7

Now by the way (αρτενπαροδω). Like our “by the way” (παροδος), incidentally.

If the Lord permit (εανοΚυριοςεπιτρεψη). Condition of the third class. Paul did everything ενΚυριω (Cf. Acts 18:21).

1 Corinthians 16:8

Until Pentecost (εωςτηςΠεντηκοστης). He writes them in the spring before pentecost. Apparently the uproar by Demetrius hurried Paul away from Ephesus (Acts 20:1).

1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great and effectual door is opened unto me (θυραγαρμοανεωιγενμεγαληκαενεργης). Second perfect active indicative of ανοιγω, to open. Intransitive, stands wide open at last after his years there (Acts 20:31). A wide open door. What does he mean by ενεργης? It is a late word in the Koine. In the papyri a medical receipt has it for “tolerably strong.” The form ενεργος in the papyri is used of a mill “in working order,” of “tilled land,” and of “wrought iron.” In the N.T. it occurs in Philemon 1:6; Hebrews 4:12 of “the word of God” as “ενεργης” (powerful). Paul means that he has at least a great opportunity for work in Ephesus.

And there are many adversaries (κααντικειμενοπολλο). “And many are lying opposed to me,” lined up against me. These Paul mentions as a reason for staying in, not for leaving, Ephesus. Read Acts 19 and see the opposition from Jews and Gentiles with the explosion under the lead of Demetrius. And yet Paul suddenly leaves. He hints of much of which we should like to know more (1 Corinthians 15:32; 2 Corinthians 1:8).

1 Corinthians 16:10

That he be without fear (ινααφοβωςγενητα). Evidently he had reason to fear the treatment that Timothy might receive in Corinth as shown in 4:17-21.

1 Corinthians 16:11

For I expect him (εκδεχομαγαραυτον). Apparently later Timothy had to return to Ephesus without much success before Paul left and was sent on to Macedonia with Erastus (Acts 19:22) and Titus sent to Corinth whom Paul then arranged to meet in Troas (2 Corinthians 2:12).

1 Corinthians 16:12

And it was not at all his will to come now (καπαντωςουκηνθελημαινανυνελθη). Adversative use of κα = “but.” Apollos had left Corinth in disgust over the strife there which involved him and Paul (1 Corinthians 1-4). He had had enough of partisan strife over preachers.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Watch ye (γρηγορειτε). Stay awake. Late present from εγρηγορα second perfect of εγειρω, to awake.

Quit you like men (ανδριζεσθε). Play the man. Middle voice, show yourselves men. From ανηρ, a man.

1 Corinthians 16:15

Ye know (οιδατε). Koine form for second perfect indicative used as present of οραω. Parenthetic clause through rest of the verse. Stephanas is mentioned also in 1:16 and in 16:17. For απαρχη see on 1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 Corinthians 15:23.

They have set themselves (εταξανεαυτους). Remarkable statement worthy of attention today. This noble family appointed themselves to be ministers to the saints that needed it (the poor and needy). Personal work for Christ is still the only way to win the world for Christ, voluntary personal work. If all Christians did it!

1 Corinthians 16:16

That ye also be in subjection unto such (ινακαυμειςυποτασσησθετοιςτοιουτοις). This is the exhortation begun in verse 15. The family of Stephanas took the lead in good works. Do ye also follow such leaders. This is our great problem today, to find great leaders and many loyal followers. This would solve all church problems, great leadership and great following. Lend a hand.

1 Corinthians 16:17

At the coming (επτηπαρουσια). At the coming here of Stephanas, etc., the very word used of the παρουσια of Christ (15:23).

That which was lacking on your part they supplied (τουμετερονυστερημαουτοανεπληρωσαν). Either “these filled up my lack of you” or “these filled up your lack of me.” Either makes perfectly good sense and both were true. Which Paul meant we cannot tell.

1 Corinthians 16:18

For they refreshed my spirit and yours (ανεπαυσανγαρτοεμονπνευμακατουμων). They did both. The very verb used by Jesus in Matthew 11:28 for the refreshment offered by him to those who come to him, fellowship with Jesus, and here fellowship with each other.

1 Corinthians 16:19

The churches of Asia (αεκκλησιατηςΑσιας). True of the Roman province (Acts 10:10; Acts 10:26; Colossians 1:6; Colossians 2:1; Colossians 4:13; Colossians 4:16). The gospel spread rapidly from Ephesus.

With the church that is in their house (συντηκατ’ οικοναυτωνεκκλησια). Paul had long ago left the synagogue for the school house of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9). But Aquila and Prisca opened their house here for the services. The churches had to meet where they could. Paul had laboured and lived with this family in Corinth (Acts 18:2) and now again in Ephesus (Acts 18:19; Acts 20:34). It was their habit wherever they lived (Romans 16:5).

1 Corinthians 16:20

With a holy kiss (ενφιληματαγιω). In the synagogue men kissed men and women kissed women. This was the Christian custom at a later date and apparently so here. See 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 2 Corinthians 13:12; Romans 3:8; 1 Peter 5:14. It seems never to have been promiscuous between the sexes.

1 Corinthians 16:21

Of me Paul with mine own hand (τηεμηχειρΠαυλου). Literally, “With the hand of me Paul.” The genitive Παυλου is in apposition with the possessive pronoun εμη which is in the instrumental case just as in 2 Thessalonians 3:17, the sign in every Epistle. He dictated, but signed at the end. If we only had that signature on that scrap of paper.

1 Corinthians 16:22

Αναθεμα. The word seems a bit harsh to us, but the refusal to love Christ (ουφιλε) on the part of a nominal Christian deserves αναθεμα (see on 12:3 for this word). Μαραναθα. This Aramaic phrase means “Our Lord (μαραν) cometh (αθα)” or, used as a proleptic perfect, “has come.” It seems to be a sort of watchword (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:14; James 5:7; Philippians 4:5; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 22:20), expressing the lively hope that the Lord will come. It was a curious blunder in the King James Version that connected Μαραναθα with Αναθεμα.