1. Studies in 1 Corinthians
Plans
1 Cor. 16:5-12

2. Background
Paul’s plan to visit (5-8)
Believed this letter written from Ephesus during his 3rd preaching trip – Acts 18-20

5. Background Paul’s plan to visit (5-8)
Believed this letter written from Ephesus during his 3rd preaching trip – Acts 18-20
In Ephesus for 3 years – Acts 19:10, 20:31
He plans to visit Corinth

6. Background
1 Cor. 16:5-9
He intended to come to them by way of Macedonia (Acts 20:1)
He hoped to stay for the winter (cf. Acts 20:2)
His hope, they would send him on his way (Jerusalem)

7. Background
1 Cor. 16:5-9
WHY the delay?
“To spare them” (2 Cor. 1:23)
“A great and effective door has opened” (vs. 9)

8. Background His hope to send Timothy 1 Cor. 16:10-11
Timothy sent to Corinth via Macedonia (Acts 19:20-21, 1 Cor. 4:17)
Possibly, others (1 Cor. 16:17-18) then arrived from Corinth and reported to Paul.
Paul recommends Timothy!

9. Background Apollos not coming right now 1 Cor. 16:12
Apollos as at Corinth while Paul came to Ephesus (Acts 18:28-9:1)
Evidently Apollos left and was now in Ephesus.
Apollos influential to Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12, 3:4-6)

10. Observations – Timing! An important factor as we work!
Consider priorities
Sometimes we need to “cool off” before responding
Ephesians 5:15-16
Experience and wisdom develop timing

11. IF the Lord Permits
Paul’s contingency – Acts 18:20-21, 1 Cor. 4:19
James 4:15
This keeps our standing before God in proper perspective – humility, gratitude, etc.

12. An open door
Used frequently of opportunity – Acts 17:27-28, 2 Cor. 2:12, Col. 4:2-3
Revelation 3:7-8
Are we looking for “open doors”? Are we praying for them?
Thought: Do we resist open doors for others?

13. Many adversaries Paul in Ephesus – Acts 19:8-9, 23-24;
Satan WILL try and hinder us 1 Thess. 2:18
So will his followers! Cf. Matt. 10:34-36
Don’t let them stop us from doing what is right – 2 Cor. 2:11, 1 Pet. 5:8-9

14. Supporting leaders
The brethren were to accept Timothy and even assist him.
Preaching, and the work of elders is not always easy.
We should NOT contribute to difficulties – Heb. 13:7, 17; 2 Tim. 4:2, etc.

15. Supporting leaders
Why? He does the work of the Lord Heb. 3:17, 2 Tim. 4:2
NOTE: Godly character is a MUST in our leaders, but the point is that our respect is for the message and work, not personalities.

16. Let us respect EVERY word God has spoken to us!