Chapter 16

1 He exhorteth them to relieve the want of the brethren at Jerusalem. 10 Commendeth Timothy, 13 and after friendly admonitions, 16 shutteth up his epistle with divers salutations.

1. Concerning the collection. Paul was promoting a special project on behalf of needy believers in Jerusalem (cf. 2 Cor. 8; 9). Years before he had been the bearer of a special gift for the famine stricken from the church at Antioch (cf. on Acts 11:28–30; 12:25). Paul carried a burden on his heart for his fellow Jewish Christians (cf. Gal. 2:10).

The economic conditions and burdens in Palestine were oppressive upon both Jew and Christian. It has been estimated that the combined taxes, both civil and religious, reached the staggering total of almost 40 per cent of a person’s income. For the common people there was no hope of escaping poverty. In addition, the church in Jerusalem suffered much persecution. The majority of the believers there were poor, some of them as a result of becoming Christians (cf. Acts 4:34, 35; 6:1; 8:1; 11:28–30). They needed help from their more fortunately situated brethren in other places (see Acts 8:1; AA 70). Paul had undertaken the responsibility of soliciting help for them from other churches that he visited, and he appealed to the Corinthians to do their share by setting before them the example of their sister churches in Achaia and Macedonia (see Rom. 15:25, 26; 2 Cor. 8:1–7).

Even so. The Corinthian believers were to accept this obligation as had the Galatians. The work of helping the poor is given to the church in all ages in order that its members may develop sympathy and love, and that they may reveal to others the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Luke 14:13, 14; 6T 261, 270, 273, 280; 4T 619, 620; DA 369, 370). Our attitude toward the less fortunate members of society plays a large part in determining our ultimate destiny (see Isa. 58:6–8; Matt. 25:34–46; 5T 612). Jesus Himself set the example in this work of ministering to the needs of suffering humanity; He spent more time in healing the sick than in preaching the gospel (see 4T 225; DA 350).

2. First day of the week. See on Matt. 28:1.

Lay. The construction of the Greek indicates that they were to do so regularly every first day of the week.

By him. Gr. parХ heautoµ, literally, “by himself,” equivalent to the English “at home.”

In store. Literally, “treasuring up,” “storing up,” probably in some special receptacle or in some special place in the house.

As God hath prospered him. To give in proportion to one’s prosperity may involve a careful checking of accounts, a task that Paul would hardly recommend be done on a day of holy rest.

This verse is often cited in support of Sunday observance. However, when it is examined in connection with the apostle’s project for the poor believers in Jerusalem, it is seen to be an exhortation to systematic planning on the part of the Corinthian church members for their part in the offering. There is nothing in the verse that even remotely suggests that there is any sacredness attached to the first day of the week (see 3T 413; cf. F. D. Nichol, Answers to Objections, pp. 218, 219). If all believers today were to adopt this principle of systematic benevolence, there would be an abundance of means for speedily carrying the message of salvation to all the world (see 3T 389).

Gatherings. Gr. logeiai, “collections.” Paul requested that the contributions be ready for him when he arrived.

3. By your letters. Literally, “by letters.” There is some difference of opinion among commentators regarding the writer of the “letters” here mentioned by Paul. The phrase may be linked with either the preceding or the following words. The KJV holds to the former interpretation, as does also the RSV; the other interpretation connects the phrase as follows: “whomsoever ye shall approve, I will send by letters.” Those who hold the former view reason that the letters were written by the leaders of the church at Corinth, and designated the appointment and authority of the bearers as their representatives. Those who hold to the latter interpretation believe that Paul offered to write letters commending the representatives of the Corinthian brethren to the church at Jerusalem. However, no names from Corinth are in the list in Acts 20:4.

4. Meet. Gr. axios, “worthy,” “suitable,” “worth while.” If the amount to be transferred warranted his presence, or if it was thought that it would be wiser for him to accompany the messengers, Paul was willing to journey to Jerusalem in order to ensure that there would be no question or suspicion concerning the offering sent by the church at Corinth. This is an illustration of his extreme care to avoid giving any cause for misunderstanding or offense (cf. Rom. 14:13, 16, 21; 1 Cor. 8:9, 13).

5. Macedonia. See on Acts 16:9.

6. Winter with you. Paul wanted to make a rather prolonged stay in Corinth and not merely to call as he passed through on his way to other places (v. 7). Therefore he proposed to complete his Macedonian itinerary first (v. 5), and then to spend the winter months with the church at Corinth.

Bring me on my journey. See on Acts 15:3; cf. chs. 20:38; 21:16.

7. Trust to tarry. Literally, “hope to remain.”

If the Lord permit. Compare on Acts 18:21; 1 Cor. 4:19.

8. Ephesus. See on Acts 18:19.

Pentecost. See on Acts 2:1.

9. Opened. Paul referred to the unusual opportunities presented to him at Ephesus for the preaching of the gospel, as the reason why he wished to remain there for some time instead of proceeding at once to Macedonia and Corinth (see vs. 7, 8). Ephesus was an important center of pagan worship in the Roman province of Asia, the goddess Diana (or Artemis) being the principal deity (see on Acts 19:24). In this city, almost wholly given over to idolatry, superstition, and vice, God manifested His power through Paul for the conversion of sinners and the confusion of the adversary (see Acts 19:8–12, 18–20).

Adversaries. When opposition arose at Ephesus, Paul did not leave the city, but worked all the more earnestly for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Such opposition may generally be regarded as evidence that Satan is alarmed at the threat to his dominion over the souls of men, and as an indication that the Spirit of God is at work.

10. Timotheus. One of Paul’s converts and helpers in the work of God (see on Acts 16:1). He had been sent to the church at Corinth to help them with their problems (see on 1 Cor. 4:17). Paul sought to prepare the way for him by soliciting the hospitality and kindness of the Corinthians on his behalf, so that the young Timotheus would not be embarrassed when called upon to instruct the influential believers in that important church.

11. Despise. Gr. exoutheneoµ, “to make of no account,” “to treat with contempt.”

Conduct him forth. That is, provide him with things necessary for the journey.

In peace. That is, with the good will of the Corinthians. Paul hoped that there would be no points of misunderstanding between Timothy and the Corinthian believers.

Look for him. Paul was awaiting word of the condition of affairs in Corinth (see on ch. 4:17). It was doubtless in Macedonia that Timothy met Paul, for he was with Paul when 2 Corinthians was written (see on 2 Cor. 1:1; cf. AA 323).

12. Apollos. See on Acts 18:24; cf. Acts 19:1; 1 Cor. 1:12.

Not … to come. See on ch. 1:12.

13. Watch ye. That is, keep awake, be vigilant, as the sentries posted around the camp of an army are on the alert at every moment for the slightest suggestion of danger. The fact that this exhortation is found in several places in the NT emphasizes the necessity for the Christian to be on guard against the efforts of the enemy to destroy him (see Matt. 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35; Acts 20:31; 1 Thess. 5:5, 6). Here the admonition would have special application to the peculiar dangers that surrounded the Corinthian believers. They were to take care lest their salvation should be endangered by dissensions, false doctrines, false teachers, erroneous practices, and the prevalence of idolatry around them.

Stand fast in the faith. For a discussion of “faith” as here used see on Acts 6:7. Jesus warned that there would be many false teachers and false prophets, who would seek to turn people away from the purity of the gospel and to lead them to accept doctrines that originate with Satan (see Matt. 24:4, 5, 11, 23, 24, 26). There is need for strong determination to adhere unwaveringly to the unadulterated Word of God (see Isa. 8:20; Matt. 24:13; Phil. 1:27; 4:1; 1 Thess. 5:21; Rev. 2:10).

Quit you like men. Gr. andrizoµ, “to act like a man.” In earlier English “quit” meant “to conduct oneself.” To be a Christian requires courage, boldness, perseverance, fortitude—in short, all the qualities of a real man. There is no place for cowardice, timidity, or fear. A noble character is developed only by those who place themselves unreservedly under the Saviour’s leadership (see Eph. 6:10).

14. Charity. Gr. agapeµ, “love” as a principle (see on 1 Cor. 13:1; for the verb agapaoµ see on Matt. 5:43, 44). Love is the all-conquering quality, the grand solution to all problems. The counsel given here may be considered as the supreme feature of Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian believers and to all Christians everywhere at all times. Supreme love for God and unselfish love for men will abolish all strife, contention, pride, and associated evils (see Prov. 10:12; Matt. 22:37–40; Rom. 13:10). This basic attribute of the character of God (1 John 4:8) must activate every child of God, so that his life will be a demonstration of the power of love and a proof of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ (cf. John 14:23; 15:9, 10, 12; 1 John 3:14, 18, 23, 24; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 20, 21; 5:2).

15. Beseech. Gr. parakaleoµ, “to exhort,” “to admonish” (see on John 14:16).

House of Stephanas. An influential family whose members had been baptized by Paul himself (see ch. 1:16).

Firstfruits. That is, they were the first of a large harvest of souls in Achaia.

Achaia. A province of Greece made up of the Peloponnesus and the mainland of Greece, south of Macedonia. Its capital was Corinth.

Addicted themselves. That is, set themselves to the task.

16. Submit yourselves. That is, show deference and respect for those who are faithful in the service of the church. Their opinions and counsel should be looked upon as deserving of serious consideration. All who assist with the great work of God on earth are to be treated with respect and given whatever help they may need.

17. The coming of. The three messengers named were apparently all from Corinth. Fortunatus and Achaicus are not mentioned elsewhere. The three men were probably the bearers of the letter of inquiry from the Corinthians to Paul (ch. 7:1) and possibly also the bearers of Paul’s letter to them known as First Corinthians.

Lacking on your part. The Greek expression means either “your deficiency,” that is, your absence, or “lack of you,” that is, lack on your part. Some suggest, in addition, that it may mean “your lack of me” as well as “my lack of you.”

Supplied. Literally, “filled up.” Compare the RSV translation, “they have made up for your absence.”

18. Refreshed. The presence and conversation of these emissaries from Corinth had brought encouragement and consolation to Paul. They had apparently given the apostle information concerning the church in Corinth (v. 17), information that helped him to obtain a clearer understanding of the situation (see Prov. 15:30).

Acknowledge. That is, give recognition to.

19. Asia. See on Acts 2:9; see Additional Note on Acts 16.

Aquila and Priscilla. See on Acts 18:2.

Church … in their house. The early Christians met in private homes. Church buildings were not common until about the end of the 2d century.

20. All the brethren. Doubtless, the believers in Ephesus. They were apparently interested in the church at Corinth and desired that their brethren know of their love and concern for them. The same spirit actuates all who love the Lord and His people; they are interested in all other members of the great family of God. This spirit of loving fellowship, prevalent among God’s people, is a source of amazement to those who do not know the love of God, and is an evidence of the truth of the gospel (see John 17:23; 3T 446, 447; SC 115).

Kiss. A common form of greeting in the East. The holy kiss was a token of Christian affection among believers (cf. Rom. 16:16; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). Paul seems to have desired the Corinthian believers to give this token to one another when they received his letter, as a pledge of their newly awakened Christian unity and love. The custom, at least as later enjoined in the Apostolic Constitutions (2:57; 8:11), was for men to greet men, and women to greet women. According to Palestinian custom the kiss was on the cheek, forehead, beard, hands, or feet, but not on the lips.

21. Own hand. Apparently Paul customarily employed a secretary to write his letters to the churches. He gave authenticity to the epistle by signing his name and expressing his greetings to the brethren (cf. Col. 4:18; 2 Thess. 3:17). This signature formed a proof that the contents of the letter were truly his, as well as an indication of his loving regard for the church. He had been troubled by those who had forged letters purporting to be his (see on 2 Thess. 2:2), and his personal signature was intended to foil the designs of such men.

22. Love. Gr. phileoµ, “to love with human affection.” For comparison with agapaoµ see on Matt. 5:43, 44. The meaning here is, “If any one does not even have human love for the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Anathema. A transliteration of the Gr. anathema, meaning “accursed,” or “devoted to destruction.” Those who do not believe in and love the Lord Jesus Christ cannot hope for salvation. By their own act of rejecting the only means of salvation, they choose eternal ruin (see Mark 16:16; John 12:48; Acts 16:30–32; 1 John 5:11–13; cf. Gal. 1:8, 9).

Maran-atha. A transliteration of the Gr. maran atha, which in turn is a transliteration of the Aramaic maran Хathah. The words should probably be separated as follows: marana tha, Aramaic maranaХ thaХ. This is the only place in Scripture where this word occurs. The Aramaic expression may be translated “our Lord comes,” or “our Lord, come.” The letter to the Corinthians was written in Greek, as were all the other epistles, but Paul was a bilinguist and familiar with Aramaic, the vernacular of the people in Palestine. As he reached the close of his powerful appeal to the Corinthians to abandon their factions, false doctrines and practices, and give themselves wholly to the Lord, he climaxed his arguments with this forceful pronouncement concerning the Lord’s coming. In the KJV this statement is attached to the preceding word “anathema,” but there is no necessary connection.

In the early days of the Christian church the expression “maran-atha” seems to have been used by the believers as a salutation (see Didache 10:6). The coming of Jesus should be the theme of every Christian’s life (see 6T 406; 7T 237; EW 58).

23. The grace. Paul closes his letter with the common benediction (see Rom. 16:24; 2 Cor. 13:14; Gal. 6:18).

24. Love. What more beautiful benediction could follow the severe denunciation of those who reject the love of God! This epistle, which contains much that might be regarded as rather harsh in its plain treatment of certain abuses in the church, is closed with an expression of love and of interest in the eternal welfare of the recipients of the letter.

The postscript following v. 24 appears in no early manuscript. Its contents are incorrect, at least in part, for they give the place of writing as “Philippi,” whereas the epistle itself gives the place of origin as Ephesus (ch. 16:8), although the postscript in one 9th-century uncial manuscript (P) reads “from Ephesus” instead of “from Philippi.” Inasmuch as the information concerning the place of writing is wrong, it raises a question as to whether Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus were the bearers of the letter to Corinth (see on v. 17). The postscript was a later editorial addition, not part of the original inspired record.

Ellen G. White comments

1, 2 CSW 129; 3T 398

2     AH 368, 389; CS 80, 81, 85; CSW 130; 1T 191, 206, 325; 3T 389, 411, 412; 5T 382

9     AA 286

13        CSW 180; Ed 295; GW 127; MH 136; ML 69, 319; MYP 24; 1T 370; 5T 584; 7T 236