Bullet Point Bible - 1 Corinthians 16

The Collection for God's People

¹ With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia:² On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come.³ Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem.⁴ And if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will go with me.

Paul addresses the practical matter of collecting funds for believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating that faith involves tangible action and care for others.
This collection was a significant project for Paul, aimed at supporting the poor Jewish Christians in Judea and fostering unity between Gentile and Jewish believers (cf. Romans 15:25-27, Galatians 2:10).
The instruction to set aside money "on the first day of the week" suggests early Christians were already meeting for worship on Sunday, the day of the Lord's resurrection.
Giving is presented as a regular discipline for *each* individual believer.
Giving should be proportional ("to the extent that God has blessed you"), reflecting a principle of stewardship based on God's provision.
Paul emphasizes foresight and planning ("so that a collection will not have to be made when I come") to ensure the process is orderly and not burdensome.
The Corinthians were entrusted with approving the messengers who would carry the gift, showing Paul's respect for the local church's judgment.
Paul's willingness to potentially accompany the messengers highlights the importance he placed on this collection.

Paul's Travel Plans

⁵ But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia-for I will be going through Macedonia-⁶ and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you can send me on my journey, wherever I go.⁷ For I do not want to see you now in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.⁸ But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,⁹ because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me, but there are many opponents.

Paul outlines his intended travel schedule, indicating he is writing from Ephesus.
His plan involves traveling through Macedonia before arriving in Corinth, suggesting a change from a previous, more direct plan (which is discussed in 2 Corinthians 1:15-17).
Paul expresses a desire for a longer, more meaningful visit ("not... only in passing," "spend some time," "spend the winter") reflecting his pastoral concern for the Corinthian church.
His plans are contingent on God's will ("if the Lord permits"), demonstrating his submission to divine sovereignty.
Paul's reason for remaining in Ephesus until Pentecost (late spring/early summer) is the significant ministry opportunity ("a great and effective door").
He acknowledges the reality of opposition ("many adversaries") often accompanying fruitful ministry (cf. Acts 19 for details of his Ephesian ministry and opposition).
The phrase "send me on my way" refers to the custom of churches providing departing missionaries with supplies and support for their journey.
This section provides valuable context for understanding the relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church and the circumstances surrounding the letter.

Commendations and Exhortations

¹⁰ Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I am too.¹¹ So then, let no one treat him with contempt. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers.¹² With regard to our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was simply not his intention to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity.¹³ Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.¹⁴ Everything you do should be done in love.¹⁵ Now, brothers and sisters, you know about the household of Stephanus, that as the first converts of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints. I urge you¹⁶ also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard.¹⁷ I was glad about the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked.¹⁸ For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this.

Paul commends Timothy, his younger associate, urging the Corinthians to receive him well and respect his ministry as equivalent to Paul's ("doing the Lord's work, just as I am"). This addresses potential issues given Timothy's youth (cf. 1 Tim 4:12) and the Corinthians' tendency towards factionalism.
Paul clarifies Apollos' situation, stating it was Apollos' own decision not to visit Corinth at that time, perhaps to quell any suspicion that Paul was hindering Apollos due to the divisions mentioned earlier (1 Cor 1:12).
The five imperatives in verses 13-14 provide a concise summary of Christian conduct: vigilance ("Stay alert"), stability ("stand firm in the faith"), bravery ("show courage"), resilience ("be strong"), and overarching love ("Everything... done in love").
These commands directly address the immaturity, instability, and lack of love evident throughout the letter.
Paul highlights the household of Stephanas as exemplary models of service ("first converts," "devoted themselves to ministry"). Their dedication serves as a practical example for the church.
He instructs the Corinthians to "submit" to such leaders, emphasizing respect and cooperation with those who labor faithfully in ministry. This contrasts with the Corinthians' previous arrogance and factionalism.
The arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (likely the bearers of the Corinthians' letter to Paul, cf. 1 Cor 7:1) brought Paul joy and refreshment, bridging the gap between him and the church.
Paul urges the Corinthians to "recognize" (give honor and appreciation to) such faithful servants.

Final Greetings and Benediction

¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house.²⁰ All the brothers and sisters send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.²¹ I, Paul, send this greeting with my own hand.²² Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed. Our Lord, come!²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.²⁴ My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.

Greetings are sent from the churches in the Roman province of Asia (where Ephesus was located), reinforcing the sense of a wider Christian community.
Aquila and Prisca (Priscilla), Paul's close friends and ministry partners (Acts 18), send specific greetings, along with the house church meeting with them, highlighting the importance of house churches in early Christianity.
The instruction to "greet one another with a holy kiss" was a common practice signifying fellowship, mutual affection, and unity in Christ within the early church (cf. Rom 16:16, 2 Cor 13:12).
Paul adds a personal sign-off "with my own hand" (v. 21) to authenticate the letter and add personal warmth, a common practice in his letters (cf. Gal 6:11, Col 4:18, 2 Thess 3:17).
The solemn warning "If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed!" (Anathema) underscores the absolute centrality of love for Christ as the defining mark of a true believer. It serves as a final, sharp reminder against the divisions and worldliness addressed in the letter.
"Our Lord, come!" translates the Aramaic phrase "Maranatha." It expresses the early Christian hope and longing for Christ's return. It could also be read as "Our Lord has come" (Marana tha), affirming Christ's first advent.
Paul concludes with a benediction of grace ("The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you") and an affirmation of his own love for the Corinthian believers ("My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus"), ending a often stern letter on a note of reconciliation and affection.

The Bullet Point Bible

1 Corinthians 16