1 First Corinthians “Solving Church Problems” Lesson 23, Section Twenty “Tying Up Loose Ends” First Corinthians 16:1-24 Page 110

2 “Tying Up Loose Ends” – Chapter 16 The collection for the saints The collection for the saints Paul’s personal travel plans Paul’s personal travel plans A few final exhortations A few final exhortations His salutation His salutation

3 Questions for Section Twenty – 1 Cor What congregational responsibility does Paul first discuss in this chapter? (1,2) The collection for the saints – giving. 2. How can we be sure that this was a public activity rather than a private one (i.e., at church rather than at home)? (1,2) They were to avoid collections when he came to them

4 Let’s read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

5 Instructions for giving were clear... First Corinthians 16:1-2 When —“upon the first day of [“every”--RSV] week.” This was meeting day for worship among New Testament churches. When —“upon the first day of [“every”--RSV] week.” This was meeting day for worship among New Testament churches. (Acts 2:42; 20:7; Heb.10:25) Who — “every one of you.” All members were included. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). No member should be restricted from this weekly opportunity to get a spiritual blessing. Who — “every one of you.” All members were included. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). No member should be restricted from this weekly opportunity to get a spiritual blessing.

6 Instructions for giving were clear... First Corinthians 16:1-2 What — “lay by in store.” “The words do not mean to lay by at home, but to lay by himself, i.e., let him take to himself what he means to give.” What — “lay by in store.” “The words do not mean to lay by at home, but to lay by himself, i.e., let him take to himself what he means to give.” -- Charles Hodge (First Corinthians, pp ) How — “as he may prosper” [ASV, RSV]; “as God hath prospered him” [KJV]; “as he has a mind to” [Confraternity]. A proportion, not a figure, is specified. 2Cor.9:6,7 sets guidelines for the amount and the attitude of the giver. How — “as he may prosper” [ASV, RSV]; “as God hath prospered him” [KJV]; “as he has a mind to” [Confraternity]. A proportion, not a figure, is specified. 2Cor.9:6,7 sets guidelines for the amount and the attitude of the giver.

7 Instructions for giving were clear... First Corinthians 16:1-2 Why — “that there be no collections when I come.” Efficiency and urgency were important to the execution of this project. Paul also wanted the matter of the collection to have been taken care of by the time he came to Corinth. This would allow him to use his time in addressing any unresolved problems among the members. Why — “that there be no collections when I come.” Efficiency and urgency were important to the execution of this project. Paul also wanted the matter of the collection to have been taken care of by the time he came to Corinth. This would allow him to use his time in addressing any unresolved problems among the members.

8 Ensure the integrity of the funds First Corinthians 16:3-4 Paul wanted to avoid every appearance of a conflict of interest Paul wanted to avoid every appearance of a conflict of interest Various churches appointed the men who were responsible for their collections Various churches appointed the men who were responsible for their collections Churches today must follow the same principle Churches today must follow the same principle We too must make sure that our collections are free from dishonesty and greed We too must make sure that our collections are free from dishonesty and greed

9 Questions for Section Twenty – 1 Cor What change of plans did Paul make for which he was later criticized by the Corinthians? (5-8) [See 2Cor. 1:15,16.] The Corinthians were expecting him earlier. He had planned to go to Corinth for a short visit, then to Macedonia and then back to Corinth. Instead, he went to Macedonia, then to Corinth hoping to spend the winter with them.

10 Let’s read 1 Corinthians 16:5-7 5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Paul did not think it wise to go to them for a short visit Paul did not think it wise to go to them for a short visit Obviously, he wanted them to correct some things before he went Obviously, he wanted them to correct some things before he went “If the Lord permits” “If the Lord permits” “…if the Lord wills” was used in 1 Cor. 4:19 “…if the Lord wills” was used in 1 Cor. 4:19 James 4:15 – Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." James 4:15 – Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." 11 Paul’s Travel Plans First Corinthians 16:5-7

12 Questions for Section Twenty – 1 Cor Which of Paul’s companions in the gospel did he say would soon be coming to Corinth? Which one would not? (10-12) [See Acts 19:22.] Timothy would likely go to them. Apollos wanted to wait for a more convenient time.

13 Let’s read 1 Corinthians 16: And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

Timothy First Corinthians 16:11-11 Timothy and Erastus had already been sent to Corinth via of Macedonia (1 Cor. 4:17; Acts 19:22) Timothy and Erastus had already been sent to Corinth via of Macedonia (1 Cor. 4:17; Acts 19:22) Paul wanted them to treat Timothy with respect Paul wanted them to treat Timothy with respect Timothy met Paul in Macedonia where Paul wrote Second Corinthians Timothy met Paul in Macedonia where Paul wrote Second Corinthians 14

Apollos First Corinthians 16:12 Apollos - A Jew, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus (Act 18:24-25) Apollos - A Jew, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus (Act 18:24-25) He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures He had been instructed in the way of the Lord He had been instructed in the way of the Lord And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He seemed to be with Paul in Ephesus He seemed to be with Paul in Ephesus He did not want to go to Corinth at this time He did not want to go to Corinth at this time 15

16 Questions for Section Twenty – 1 Cor What motive should underlie all that the Corinthians did? (14) Love 6. What do we know about the family of Stephanas? (15) They were the firstfruits of Achaia [a province of Greece] and they devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints

17 Let’s read 1 Corinthians 16: Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

Watch – Be continually on guard Watch – Be continually on guard Stand fast in the faith – Don’t let it slip away Stand fast in the faith – Don’t let it slip away Be brave – Stand up to the evil doers; don’t be intimidated Be brave – Stand up to the evil doers; don’t be intimidated Be strong - Be firm, fixed, steadfast Be strong - Be firm, fixed, steadfast They needed love to solve their problems They needed love to solve their problems 18 Words of Encouragement First Corinthians 16:13-14

19 Questions for Section Twenty – 1 Cor What had Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus done for Paul? (17) They came to Paul and were asking for Paul’s help in solving their church problems. 8. Who had a church in their house? Where have we met these individuals before? (19) [See Acts 18:1-3.] Aquila and Priscilla – Paul met them on his first visit to Corinth

20 Let’s read 1 Corinthians 16: I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Some More Greetings First Corinthians 16:17-19 These three men, Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, supplied Paul with additional information which helped him deal with the problems facing the Corinthians These three men, Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, supplied Paul with additional information which helped him deal with the problems facing the Corinthians 21

Some More Greetings First Corinthians 16:17-19 Aquila and Priscilla – When Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who recently came from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome (Acts 18:2) Aquila and Priscilla – When Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who recently came from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome (Acts 18:2) They took Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26) They took Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26) 22

23 Questions for Section Twenty – 1 Cor What had Paul written with his own hand? Why? (21) The salutation [the greeting portion of a speech or letter] in his own handwriting provided a seal as to the authenticity of the letter. 10. What was Paul’s attitude toward those who do not love the Lord? (22) Let them be accursed [“anathema” in Greek]

24 Let’s read 1 Corinthians 16: All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The Salutation First Corinthians 16:20-24 Paul did not wish a curse upon them but was expressing a fact of what will happen to anyone who loves not the Lord Jesus Christ Paul did not wish a curse upon them but was expressing a fact of what will happen to anyone who loves not the Lord Jesus Christ “O Lord, come” – He is reminding them of the second coming of Christ which will bring wrath upon those who do not love Him “O Lord, come” – He is reminding them of the second coming of Christ which will bring wrath upon those who do not love Him He closes his letter in a positive tone – words of comfort and encouragement He closes his letter in a positive tone – words of comfort and encouragement 25