1 Corinthians 16, this will be the last chapter of the first book of Corinthians. 1Cor.16 and verse 1 reads.
1Cor.16:1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Paul never took a salary from the church. He was a tent maker, and pulled his own weight so that none could say he was in it for the money.
1Cor.16:2] 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.
So that no one passes the plate when I come, I’ll be there only for the teaching.
1Cor.16:3] And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
Who ever you say to trust, them (always with two) will he send to Jerusalem to give to the higher powers of the Synagogues. Paul never left out the Temple, that would be illegal. This I have a problem with, for it is written in the Epistles of John. I will begin with the 2nd.Ep John verse 10 and it reads.
2John 1:10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
[11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
My concern is to teach you that it is not OK to give to a church that does not teach the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The temple did not teach the doctrine of Christ, they crucified him. And again, in the 1st.epistle of John chapter 2 it reads.
1John 2:22] Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
[23] Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Now, I know Paul was a greater man than I. But by the word of God, I could not let this go. Back to 1Cor.16 and verse 4 reads.
1Cor.16:4] 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.
Paul was wanting to winter with them.
1Cor.16:6] 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.
Always pray for God’s will be done.
1Cor.16:8] But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
[9] For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Important to understand for us is this simple saying, whenever we do God’s works Satan will attack us along the way.
1Cor.16:10] 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.
1Cor.16:11] 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.
Not “If” but when Timothy comes let him come with love. He is a fantastic teacher.
1Cor.16:12] 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.
They had named a church after him. Maybe this why he didn’t want to come until Paul fixed this matter.
1Cor.16:13] Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
[14] Let all your things be done with charity.
Don’t waiver, man-up. Do all things in love, even if it takes tough love.
1Cor.16:15] 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.
These fellow laborers are good with the Word of God.
1Cor.16:17] 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.
These have taken up the slack and are also good teachers.
1Cor.16:19] The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
This is showing that Paul is with Aquila and Priscilla at this time. Paul sure did love them. Also showing us that a church is not always brick and mortar, sometimes it just takes a home.
1Cor.16:20] All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
This kiss was customary at that time. In other words, love one another.
1Cor.16:21] The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
Showing himself to them even though he was blind.
1Cor.16:22] If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Meaning “cursed” and “our Lord has come”. What we have here is a division, Paul was on his way.
1Cor.16:23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
[24] My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
“That’s that, Amen”.
Paul is very well educated in laws and prophets and makes it known throughout his teachings. We’ll continue with 2Corinthians 1 next time. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible