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Chapter 16
- 1 In this closing chapter Paul deals with some admin matters, including travel plans. He first addresses the collection
for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. We know from Acts how important this was to Paul. Not only is it an act of
charity towards those in need, and hence a way of giving thanks to God, but it also expresses the gratitude of the
Churches Paul founded to the mother Church whence the faith came. Paul has another reason: such a collection
should serve to bind the Gentile Churches to the Jewish Church in Jerusalem. Paul has clearly already mentioned this
collection to the Corinthians - now he gives specific instructions, and says his other Churches are also taking up such
a collection.
- 2 This is the earliest indication that the Christians met regularly on the first day of the week. Each one of them is
expected to put aside something every week - a sensible approach, since the Church members were probably mostly
artisans and so not very wealthy. It is also not to be based on a special appeal by Paul when he comes, but to be
properly planned by each person: as is clear from other references, they are to put aside according to their means (not
“extra” as here). It seems likely that the monies are to be held in the Church(s), or centrally, so that they are readily
assembled when Paul comes. He gives more detailed explanation in 2 Cor 8.
- 3 Although Paul’s instructions are very explicit, he nevertheless is careful that the local Church takes responsibility
for the collection: they are to provide individuals to take the money to Jerusalem.
- 4 Paul might go too, or he may not; but he will write letters for the carriers to take. It probably would depend on his
travel plans, but it might also be that he would be unwilling to go if the sum collected was too small?
- 5 Paul intends to travel to Corinth through Macedonia, visiting his Churches at Phillipi and Thessalonika, but he
clearly does not intend more than a passing visit to these.
- 6 But he intends a more extended visit to Corinth, staying the winter, probably of AD54-55, hoping that they will
“send him on his way” with the necessary means for his next journey.
- 7 Repeating that it is not to be a passing visit - but always “if the Lord permits” - the Lord has changed his travel
plans before!
- 8 But he intends to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost - probably AD 54 or 53. So we know this letter was written from
Ephesus.
- 9 And the reason is that opportunities for evangelisation in Ephesus have opened up, even though there are many
enemies there to this work.
- 10 Paul appears to have already sent Timothy to Corinth, presumable via Macedonia. But Timothy seems young and
timid, and Paul is obviously worried about the reception Timothy might get at the hands of the argumentative
Corinthians. They should treat him, and not frighten him.
- 11 Nor should he be despised, despite hie youth. Give him proper provisions for his onward journey back to Ephesus.
- 12 This shows Paul and Apollos worked together: Paul has urged Apollos to come to Corinth, where presumable he
had been asked for. Apollos will come, but not just now - we have no idea why: he might be elsewhere, or
indisposed, or it might not be the Lord’s will.
- 13 Keep watchful - for the Second Coming; keep the faith, keep courage, keep strong: all good encouraging words
after his strong admonitions earlier.
- 14 Above all do all in love - his primary message of this letter.
- 15 We read in 1:16 that Paul baptised Stephanatus and his household - in Achaia, presumable in or near Athens. Now
they appear to have traveled to Ephesus, where the whole household, including servants and children, are devoting
themselves to the service of the other Christians in Ephesus.
- 16 Paul now holds up this service as an example for the Corinthians not only to follow, but to accept leadership from.
An example to us also: leadership often comes from the less educated who show the way by their service to others.
- 17 We know nothing else about Fortunatus and Achaicus, who appear to have come with Stephanatus, although all
their names are Roman, not Greek. Their coming has cheered Paul up and compensated for his being away from the
Corinthians.
- 18 Not only refreshing Paul’s spirit, but they appear to have a refreshing influence on the Corinthians. Again give
credit for such people who brighten up our lives.
- 19 Now Paul reminds his hearers again of the wider Church, including the Churches of Asia (the western half of
modern Turkey) in those sending greetings to Corinth. Warm greetings also from Prisca and Aquila, who appear to
have moved from Corinth to Ephesus. Later they will move to Rome, and appear in Paul’s greetings to the Romans.
She is always the diminutive “Prisca” in Paul’s writings, although Luke insists on calling her “Priscilla”. Their house
is clearly the base for a house Church.
- 20 All the Christians in Ephesus send greetings, with a holy kiss - a normal greeting in this area at this time, not to be
seen as a liturgical “kiss of peace”. Although it seems likely that Paul’s letter would be read at the beginning of a
Eucharistic gathering, we have no evidence for this before the 2nd century - indeed it may have developed from the
way letters were received by Paul’s Churches.
- 21 As Paul normally did, he now adds a farewell in his own hand, the rest of the letter being normally written by a
scribe. Many ordinary letters of this time show a change of handwriting confirming this practice. The practice of
signing a name at the end of a letter had not developed as yet - there was no need, since the beginning of the letter
had already said who it was from. But for letters being read to a Church group, it was helpful for Paul to confirm as
in this verse inside the letter that he had written the letter.
- 22 Perhaps surprisingly Paul first curses anyone who has no love for the Lord - ie none at all, not just not enough,
fortunately! Then follows an Aramaic expression which the Corinthians are obviously familiar with, since it is not
translated into the Greek: “Marana tha”, or it could be “Maran atha”. The first means “Come, our Lord”, ie looking
forward to the 2nd Coming, and the more usual translation, following Rev 22:20. The second reading means “Our
Lord has come”, which is more credal.
- 23 Paul then sends grace - the normal letter ending.
- 24 But then unusually adds an expression of his deep love for the Corinthians, ending with “in Jesus Christ”.