1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
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.
3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14 Let all your things be done with charity.
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.
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 your's: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 Now G1161 concerning G4012 the collection G3048 for G1519 the saints, G40 as G5618 I have given order G1299 to the churches G1577 of Galatia, G1053 even G2532 so G3779 do G4160 ye. G5210
2 Upon G2596 the first G3391 day of the week G4521 let G5087 every one G1538 of you G5216 lay G5087 by G3844 him G1438 in store, G2343 as G3748 G302 God hath prospered him, G2137 that G3363 there be G1096 no G3363 gatherings G3048 G5119 when G3752 I come. G2064
3 And G1161 when G3752 I come, G3854 whomsoever G3739 G1437 ye shall approve G1381 by G1223 your letters, G1992 them G5128 will I send G3992 to bring G667 your G5216 liberality G5485 unto G1519 Jerusalem. G2419
4 And G1161 if G1437 it be G5600 meet G514 that I go G4198 also, G2504 they shall go G4198 with G4862 me. G1698
5 Now G1161 I will come G2064 unto G4314 you, G5209 when G3752 I shall pass through G1330 Macedonia: G3109 for G1063 I do pass through G1330 Macedonia. G3109
6 And G1161 it may be G5177 that I will abide, G3887 yea, G2228 and G2532 winter G3914 with G4314 you, G5209 that G2443 ye G5210 may bring G4311 me G3165 on my journey G4311 whithersoever G3757 G1437 I go. G4198
7 For G1063 I will G2309 not G3756 see G1492 you G5209 now G737 by G1722 the way; G3938 but G1161 I trust G1679 to tarry G1961 a while G5100 G5550 with G4314 you, G5209 if G1437 the Lord G2962 permit. G2010
8 But G1161 I will tarry G1961 at G1722 Ephesus G2181 until G2193 Pentecost. G4005
9 For G1063 a great G3173 door G2374 and G2532 effectual G1756 is opened G455 unto me, G3427 and G2532 there are many G4183 adversaries. G480
10 Now G1161 if G1437 Timotheus G5095 come, G2064 see G991 that G2443 he may be G1096 with G4314 you G5209 without fear: G870 for G1063 he worketh G2038 the work G2041 of the Lord, G2962 as G5613 I G1473 also G2532 do.
11 Let G1848 no G3361 man G5100 therefore G3767 despise G1848 him: G846 but G1161 conduct G4311 him G846 forth G4311 in G1722 peace, G1515 that G2443 he may come G2064 unto G4314 me: G3165 for G1063 I look for G1551 him G846 with G3326 the brethren. G80
12 As G1161 touching G4012 our brother G80 Apollos, G625 I G3870 greatly G4183 desired G3870 him G846 to G2443 come G2064 unto G4314 you G5209 with G3326 the brethren: G80 but G2532 his will G2307 was G2258 not G3756 at all G3843 to G2443 come G2064 at this G3568 time; but G1161 he will come G2064 when G3752 he shall have convenient time. G2119
13 Watch ye, G1127 stand fast G4739 in G1722 the faith, G4102 quit you like men, G407 be strong. G2901
14 Let G1096 all G3956 your G5216 things G3956 be done G1096 with G1722 charity. G26
15 G1161 I beseech G3870 you, G5209 brethren, G80 (ye know G1492 the house G3614 of Stephanas, G4734 that G3754 it is G2076 the firstfruits G536 of Achaia, G882 and G2532 that they have addicted G5021 themselves G1438 to G1519 the ministry G1248 of the saints,) G40
16 G2532 That G2443 ye G5210 submit yourselves G5293 unto such, G5108 and G2532 to every one G3956 that helpeth G4903 with us, and G2532 laboureth. G2872
17 G1161 I am glad G5463 of G1909 the coming G3952 of Stephanas G4734 and G2532 Fortunatus G5415 and G2532 Achaicus: G883 for that G3754 which was lacking G5303 on your part G5216 they G3778 have supplied. G378
18 For G1063 they have refreshed G373 my G1699 spirit G4151 and G2532 yours: G5216 therefore G3767 acknowledge ye G1921 them that are such. G5108
19 The churches G1577 of Asia G773 salute G782 you. G5209 Aquila G207 and G2532 Priscilla G4252 salute G782 you G5209 much G4183 in G1722 the Lord, G2962 with G4862 the church G1577 that is in G2596 their G846 house. G3624
20 All G3956 the brethren G80 greet G782 you. G5209 Greet ye G782 one another G240 with G1722 an holy G40 kiss. G5370
21 The salutation G783 of me Paul G3972 with mine own G1699 hand. G5495
22 If any man G1536 love G5368 not G3756 the Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 let him be G2277 Anathema G331 Maranatha. G3134
23 The grace G5485 of our Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 be with G3326 you. G5216
24 My G3450 love G26 be with G3326 you G5216 all G3956 in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus. G2424 Amen. G281
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
3 And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:
4 and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.
5 But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;
6 but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
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.
10 Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:
11 let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren.
12 But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not all `his' will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.
13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14 Let all that ye do be done in love.
15 Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints),
16 that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth.
17 And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.
21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22 If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 And concerning the collection that `is' for the saints, as I directed to the assemblies of Galatia, so also ye -- do ye;
2 on every first `day' of the week, let each one of you lay by him, treasuring up whatever he may have prospered, that when I may come then collections may not be made;
3 and whenever I may come, whomsoever ye may approve, through letters, these I will send to carry your favour to Jerusalem;
4 and if it be meet for me also to go, with me they shall go.
5 And I will come unto you, when I pass through Macedonia -- for Macedonia I do pass through --
6 and with you, it may be, I will abide, or even winter, that ye may send me forward whithersoever I go,
7 for I do not wish to see you now in the passing, but I hope to remain a certain time with you, if the Lord may permit;
8 and I will remain in Ephesus till the Pentecost,
9 for a door to me hath been opened -- great and effectual -- and withstanders `are' many.
10 And if Timotheus may come, see that he may become without fear with you, for the work of the Lord he doth work, even as I,
11 no one, then, may despise him; and send ye him forward in peace, that he may come to me, for I expect him with the brethren;
12 and concerning Apollos our brother, much I did entreat him that he may come unto you with the brethren, and it was not at all `his' will that he may come now, and he will come when he may find convenient.
13 Watch ye, stand in the faith; be men, be strong;
14 let all your things be done in love.
15 And I entreat you, brethren, ye have known the household of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruit of Achaia, and to the ministration to the saints they did set themselves --
16 that ye also be subject to such, and to every one who is working with `us' and labouring;
17 and I rejoice over the presence of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, because the lack of you did these fill up;
18 for they did refresh my spirit and yours; acknowledge ye, therefore, those who `are' such.
19 Salute you do the assemblies of Asia; salute you much in the Lord do Aquilas and Priscilla, with the assembly in their house;
20 salute you do all the brethren; salute ye one another in an holy kiss.
21 The salutation of `me' Paul with my hand;
22 if any one doth not love the Lord Jesus Christ -- let him be anathema! The Lord hath come!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ `is' with you;
24 my love `is' with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the assemblies of Galatia, so do *ye* do also.
2 On [the] first of [the] week let each of you put by at home, laying up [in] whatever [degree] he may have prospered, that there may be no collections when I come.
3 And when I am arrived, whomsoever ye shall approve, these I will send with letters to carry your bounty to Jerusalem:
4 and if it be suitable that *I* also should go, they shall go with me.
5 But I will come to you when I shall have gone through Macedonia; for I do go through Macedonia.
6 But perhaps I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that *ye* may set me forward wheresoever I may go.
7 For I will not see you now in passing, for I hope to remain a certain time with you, if the Lord permit.
8 But I remain in Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For a great door is opened to me and an effectual [one], and [the] adversaries many.
10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear; for he works the work of the Lord, even as I.
11 Let not therefore any one despise him; but set him forward in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
12 Now concerning the brother Apollos, I begged him much that he would go to you with the brethren; but it was not at all [his] will to go now; but he will come when he shall have good opportunity.
13 Be vigilant; stand fast in the faith; quit yourselves like men; be strong.
14 Let all things ye do be done in love.
15 But I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the saints for service,)
16 that *ye* should also be subject to such, and to every one joined in the work and labouring.
17 But I rejoice in the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus; because *they* have supplied what was lacking on your part.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: own therefore such.
19 The assemblies of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla, with the assembly in their house, salute you much in [the] Lord.
20 All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.
21 The salutation of [me] Paul with my own hand.
22 If any one love not the Lord [Jesus Christ] let him be Anathema Maranatha.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you.
24 My love [be] with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.
2 On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
3 When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
5 But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.
6 But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
12 Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.
13 Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I beg you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister to the saints),
16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
19 The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.
20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.
22 If any man doesn't love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed{Greek: anathema.}. Come, Lord!{Aramaic: Maranatha!}
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 Now about the giving of money for the saints, as I gave orders to the churches of Galatia, so do you.
2 On the first day of the week, let every one of you put by him in store, in measure as he has done well in business, so that it may not be necessary to get money together when I come.
3 And when I come, I will send the men of your selection with letters to take the money you have got together to Jerusalem.
4 And if it is possible for me to go there, they will go with me.
5 But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia, for that is my purpose;
6 But I may be with you for a time, or even for the winter, so that you may see me on my way, wherever I go.
7 For it is not my desire to see you now, on my way; because it is my hope to be with you for some time, if that is the Lord's pleasure.
8 But I will be at Ephesus till Pentecost;
9 For a great and important door there is open to me, and there are a number of people against me.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear; because he is doing the Lord's work, even as I am:
11 See then that he has the honour which is right. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me: for I am looking for him with the brothers.
12 But as for Apollos, the brother, I had a great desire for him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not his pleasure to come now; but he will come when he has a chance.
13 Be on the watch, unmoved in the faith, and be strong like men.
14 Let all you do be done in love.
15 Now I make my request to you, my brothers, for you have knowledge that the house of Stephanas is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have made themselves the servants of the saints,
16 That you put yourselves under such, and under everyone who is helping the Lord's work.
17 And I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for they have done what was needed to make your work complete.
18 For they gave comfort to my spirit and to yours: for which cause give respect to such people.
19 The churches of Asia send their love to you. So do Aquila and Prisca, with the church which is in their house.
20 All the brothers send their love to you. Give one another a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, send you these words of love in my writing.
22 If any man has not love for the Lord, let him be cursed. Maran atha (our Lord comes).
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. So be it.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 16
1Co 16:1-24. Directions as to the Collection for the Judean Christians: Paul's Future Plans: He Commends to Them Timothy, Apollos, &C. Salutations and Conclusions.
1. collection for the saints—at Jerusalem (Ro 15:26) and in Judea (Ac 11:29, 30; 24:17; compare 2Co 8:4; 9:1, 12). He says "saints" rather than "the poor," to remind the Corinthians that in giving, it is to the Lord's people, their own brethren in the faith. Towards the close of the national existence of the Jews, Judea and Jerusalem were harassed with various troubles, which in part affected the Jewish Christians. The community of goods which existed among them for a time gave temporary relief but tended ultimately to impoverish all by paralyzing individual exertion (Ac 2:44), and hence was soon discontinued. A beautiful fruit of grace it was, that he who had by persecutions robbed many of their all (Ac 26:10), should become the foremost in exertions for their relief.
as I have given—rather, "gave order," namely, during my journey through Galatia, that mentioned in Ac 18:23. The churches of Galatia and Phrygia were the last which Paul visited before writing this Epistle. He was now at Ephesus, and came thither immediately from visiting them (Ac 18:23; 19:1). That he had not been silent in Galatia on contributions for the poor, appears from the hint let fall in his Epistle to that church (Ga 2:10): an undesigned coincidence and mark of genuineness [Paley, Horæ Paulinæ]. He proposes the Galatians as an example to the Corinthians, the Corinthians to the Macedonians, the Corinthians and Macedonians to the Romans (Ro 15:26, 27; 2Co 9:2). There is great force in example.
2. first day of … week—already kept sacred by Christians as the day of the Lord's resurrection, the beginning day both of the physical and of the new spiritual creations: it gradually superseded the Jewish sabbath on the seventh day (Ps 118:22-24; Joh 20:19, 26; Ac 20:7; Re 1:10). So the beginning of the year was changed from autumn to spring when Israel was brought out of Egypt. Three annual feasts, all typical of Christian truths, were directed to be kept on the first day of the week: the feast of the wave offering of the first sheaf, answering to the Lord's resurrection; Pentecost, or the feast of weeks, typical of the fruits of the resurrection in the Christian Church (Le 23:11, 15, 16, 36); the feast of tabernacles at harvest, typical of the ingathering of the full number of the elect from one end of heaven to the other. Easter was directed to be kept as a holy sabbath (Ex 12:16). The Christian Sabbath commemorates the respective works of the Three Persons of the Triune God—creation, redemption (the resurrection), and sanctification (on Pentecost the Holy Ghost being poured out). Jesus came to fulfil the Spirit of the Law, not to cancel it, or to lower its standard. The primary object of the sabbath is holiness, not merely rest: "Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day." Compare Ge 2:3, "God blessed and sanctified it, because … in it He had rested," &c. The word "Remember" implies that it was in existence before the giving of the law from Sinai, and refers to its institution in Paradise (compare Ex 16:22, 23, 26, 30). "Six days shalt thou labor": the spirit of the command is fulfilled whether the six days' labor be on the last six days or on the first. A perpetual sabbath would doubtless be the highest Christian ideal; but living in a world of business where the Christian ideal is not yet realized, if a law of definite times was necessary in Paradise, it is still more so now.
every one of yon—even those in limited circumstances.
lay by him—though there be not a weekly public collection, each is privately to set apart a definite proportion of his weekly income for the Lord's cause and charity.
in store—abundantly: the earnest of a better store laid up for the giver (1Ti 6:19).
as God hath prospered him—literally, "whatsoever he may be prospered in," or "may by prosperity have acquired" [Alford], (Mt 25:15-29; 2Co 8:12).
that there be no gatherings when I come—that they may not then have to be made, when your and my time ought to be employed m more directly spiritual things. When men give once for all, not so much is given. But when each lays by something every Lord's day, more is collected than one would have given at once [Bengel].
3. approve by your letters—rather translate, "Whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters": namely, letters to several persons at Jerusalem, which would be their credentials. There could be no need of letters from them before Paul's coming, if the persons recommended were not to be sent off before it. Literally, "by letters"; an abbreviated expression for "I will send, recommending them by letters" [Grotius]. If English Version be retained, the sense will be, "When I come, I will send those whom by your letters, then to be given them, ye shall approve." But the antithesis (opposition or contrast) to Paul himself (1Co 16:4) favors Grotius' view. So "by" means with (Ro 2:27); and the Greek for "by" is translated, with (2Co 2:4).
liberality—literally, gracious or free gift (2Co 8:4).
4. meet—"worth while." If your collections be large enough to be worth an apostle's journey (a stimulus to their liberality), I will accompany them myself instead of giving them letters credential (1Co 16:3; compare Ac 20:1-4).
with me—to guard against all possible suspicion of evil (2Co 8:4, 19-21).
5-7. His first intention had been (2Co 1:15, 16) to pass through them (Corinth) to Macedonia, and again return to them from Macedonia, and so to Judea; this he had announced in the lost epistle (1Co 5:9); now having laid aside this intention (for which he was charged with levity, 2Co 1:17, &c., whereas it was through lenity, 2Co 1:23; 2:1), he announces his second plan of "not seeing them now by the way," but "passing through Macedonia" first on his way to them, and then "tarrying a while," and even "abiding and wintering with them."
for I do pass—as much as to say, "This is what I at last resolve upon" (not as the erroneous subscription of the Epistle represents it, as if he was THEN at Philippi, on his way through Macedonia); implying that there had been some previous communication upon the subject of the journey, and also that there had been some indecisiveness in the apostle's plan [Paley]. In accordance with his second plan, we find him in Macedonia when Second Corinthians was written (2Co 2:13; 8:1; 9:2, 4), and on his way to Corinth (2Co 12:14; 13:1; compare Ac 20:1, 2). "Pass through" is opposed to "abide" (1Co 16:6). He was not yet in Macedonia (as 1Co 16:8 shows), but at Ephesus; but he was thinking of passing through it (not abiding as he purposed to do at Corinth).
6. He did "abide and even winter" for the three WINTER months in Greece (Corinth), Ac 20:3, 6; from which passage it seems that Paul probably left Corinth about a month before the "days of unleavened bread" or the Passover (so as to allow time to touch at Thessalonica and Berea, from which cities two of his companions were; as we read he did at Philippi); so that thus the three months at Corinth would be December, January, and February [Birks, Horæ Apostolicæ].
ye—emphatical in the Greek.
whithersoever I go—He purposed to go to Judea (2Co 1:16) from Corinth, but his plans were not positively fixed as yet (see on 1Co 16:4; compare Ac 19:21).
7. I will not see you now by the way—literally, "I do not wish to see you this time in passing"; that is, to pay you now what would have to be a merely passing visit as I did in the second visit (2Co 12:14). In contrast to "a while," that is, some time, as the Greek might better be translated.
but—The oldest manuscripts read "for."
8. at Ephesus—whence Paul writes this Epistle. Compare 1Co 16:19, "Asia," wherein Ephesus was.
until Pentecost—He seems to have stayed as he here purposes: for just when the tumult which drove him away broke out, he was already intending to leave Ephesus (Ac 19:21, 22). Combined with 1Co 5:7, 8, this verse fixes the date of this Epistle to a few weeks before Pentecost, and very soon after the Passover.
9. door—(2Co 2:12). An opening for the extension of the Gospel. Wise men are on the watch for, and avail themselves of, opportunities. So "door of hope," Ho 2:15. "Door of faith," Ac 14:27. "An open door," Re 3:8. "A door of utterance," Col 4:3. "Great," that is, extensive. "Effectual," that is, requiring great labors [Estius]; or opportune for effecting great results [Beza].
many adversaries—who would block up the way and prevent us from entering the open door. Not here false teachers, but open adversaries: both Jews and heathen. After Paul, by his now long-continued labors at Ephesus, had produced effects which threatened the interests of those whose gains were derived from idolatry, "many adversaries" arose (Ac 19:9-23). Where great good is, there evil is sure to start up as its antagonist.
10. Now—rather, "But." Therefore Timothy was not the bearer of the Epistle; for it would not then be said, "IF Timothy come." He must therefore have been sent by Paul from Ephesus before this Epistle was written, to accord with 1Co 4:17-19; and yet the passage here implies that Paul did not expect him to arrive at Corinth till after the letter was received. He tells them how to treat him "if" he should arrive. Ac 19:21, 22 clears up the difficulty: Timothy, when sent from Ephesus, where this Epistle was written, did not proceed direct to Corinth, but went first to Macedonia; thus though sent before the letter, he might not reach Corinth till after it was received in that city. The undesigned coincidence between the Epistle and the history, and the clearing up of the meaning of the former (which does not mention the journey to Macedonia at all) by the latter, is a sure mark of genuineness [Paley, Horæ Paulinæ]. It is not certain that Timothy actually reached Corinth; for in Ac 19:22 only Macedonia is mentioned; but it does not follow that though Macedonia was the immediate object of his mission, Corinth was not the ultimate object. The "IF Timothy come," implies uncertainty. 2Co 1:1 represents him with Paul in Macedonia; and 2Co 12:18, speaking of Titus and others sent to Corinth, does not mention Timothy, which it would have probably done, had one so closely connected with the apostle as Timothy was, stayed as his delegate at Corinth. The mission of Titus then took place, when it became uncertain whether Timothy could go forward from Macedonia to Corinth, Paul being anxious for immediate tidings of the state of the Corinthian Church. Alford argues that if so, Paul's adversaries would have charged him with fickleness in this case also (2Co 1:17), as in the case of his own change of purpose. But Titus was sent directly to Corinth, so as to arrive there before Timothy could by the route through Macedonia. Titus' presence would thus make amends for the disappointment as to the intended visit of Timothy and would disarm adversaries of a charge in this respect (2Co 7:6, 7).
without fear—Referring perhaps to a nervous timidity in Timothy's character (1Ti 3:15; 5:22, 24). His youth would add to this feeling, as well as his country, Lystra, likely to be despised in refined Corinth.
11. despise—This charge is not given concerning any other of the many messengers whom Paul sent. 1Ti 4:12 accounts for it (compare Ps 119:141). He was a young man, younger probably than those usually employed in the Christian missions; whence Paul apprehending lest he should, on that account, be exposed to contempt, cautions him, "Let no man despise thy youth" [Paley, Horæ Paulinæ].
conduct—set him on his way with every mark of respect, and with whatever he needs (Tit 3:13).
in peace—(Ac 15:33; Heb 11:31). "Peace" is the salutation of kindness and respect in the East; and so it stands for every blessing. Perhaps here there is too a contrast between "peace" and the "contentions" prevalent at Corinth (1Co 1:11).
I look for him—He and Titus were appointed to meet Paul in Troas, whither the apostle purposed proceeding from Ephesus (2Co 2:12, 13). Paul thus claims their respect for Timothy as one whom he felt so necessary to himself as "look for" to him [Theophylact].
with the brethren—Others besides Erastus accompanied Timothy to Macedonia (compare 1Co 16:12; Ac 19:22).
12. Apollos, I greatly desired … to come unto you—He says this lest they should suspect that he from jealousy prevented Apollos' coming to them; perhaps they had expressly requested Apollos to be sent to them. Apollos was not at Ephesus when Paul wrote (compare 1Co 16:19, and 1Co 1:1). Probably Apollos' unwillingness to go to Corinth at this time was because, being aware of the undue admiration of his rhetorical style which led astray many at Corinth, he did not wish to sanction it (1Co 1:12; 3:4). Paul's noble freedom from all selfish jealousy led him to urge Apollos to go; and, on the other hand, Apollos, having heard of the abuse of his name at Corinth to party purposes, perseveringly refused to go. Paul, of course, could not state in his letter particularly these reasons in the existing state of division prevalent there. He calls Apollos "brother" to mark the unity that was between the two.
with the brethren—who bear this letter (1Co 16:17). (See 1Co 16:24, subscription added to the Epistle). Conybeare thinks Titus was one of the bearers of this first letter (2Co 8:6, 16-24; 12:18). Alford thinks "the brethren" here may be the same as in 1Co 16:11.
convenient time—Apollos did return to Corinth when their divisions were moderated [Jerome], and so it was a more seasonable time.
13. He shows that they ought to make their hopes of salvation to depend not on Apollos or any other teacher; that it rests with themselves. "Watch ye": for ye are slumbering. "Stand": for ye are like men tottering. "Quit you like men; be strong": for ye are effeminate (1Co 16:14). "Let all your things be done with charity" (1Co 8:1; 13:1): not with strifes as at present [Chrysostom]. "In the faith" which was assailed by some (1Co 15:1, 2, 12-17).
15. first-fruits of Achaia—the first Achæan converts (compare Ro 16:5). The image is from the first-fruits offered to the Lord (Le 23:10; compare 1Co 15:20). The members of this family had been baptized by Paul himself (1Co 1:16).
addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints—Translate, "Set themselves, (that is, voluntarily) to minister unto the saints" (compare 2Co 8:4).
16. That ye—Translate, "That ye also," namely, in your turn … in return for their self-devotion [Alford].
helpeth with—them.
laboureth—by himself.
17. Fortunatus … Achaicus—probably of Stephanas' household.
that … lacking on your part—So far as you were unable yourselves to "refresh my spirit," in that you are absent from me, "they have supplied" by coming to me from you, and so supplying the means of intercourse between you and me. They seem to have carried this letter back; see the subscription below: hence the exhortations, 1Co 16:16, 18, as though they would be at Corinth when the Epistle arrived.
18. refreshed my spirit and yours—"yours" will be refreshed on receiving this letter, by knowing that "my spirit is refreshed" by their having come to me from you; and (perhaps) by the good report they gave of many of you (1Co 1:4-8); my refreshment of spirit redounds to yours, as being my disciples (2Co 7:13; compare Zec 6:8).
acknowledge—render them due acknowledgments by a kind reception of them: 1Th 5:12, "know" them in their true worth and treat them accordingly.
19. Asia—not all Asia Minor, but Lydian Asia only, of which Ephesus was the capital.
much—with especial affection.
Aquila … Priscilla—(Compare Ac 18:2; Ro 16:3, 4). Originally driven out of Italy by Claudius, they had come to Corinth (whence their salutation of the Corinthians is appropriate here), and then had removed with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus (Ac 18:2, 18, 19, 26); here, as at Rome subsequently, they set up a Church (or assembly of believers) at their house (Ro 16:3, 5). A pattern to Christian husbands and wives. Their Christian self-devoting love appears wherever they were (Ro 16:3, 4). Even the gifted Apollos, so highly admired at Corinth, owed much of his knowledge to them (Ac 18:24-26). In 1Co 16:20, "All the brethren" (that is, the whole Church) seem to be distinguished from "the church that is in their house," which was but a partial and private assembly out of the general Church at Corinth. Neander thinks Ro 16:23 refers to "the whole Church" meeting at the house of Gaius (compare Col 4:15). "Synagogue" implies an assembly in general, without reference to the character or motives of its members. "Church," like the Hebrew Kahal, implies an assembly legally convened; as, for instance, the Jews met as a body politic to receive the law (hence Stephen calls it "the Church in the wilderness," Ac 7:38), and having a legal bond of union. Christ's followers when dispersed from one another cease to be a congregation (synagogue), but still are a Church, having the common bond of union to the same Head by the same faith and hope [Vitringa, Synagogue and Temple]. From this we may explain Paul's entering "into every house and haling men and women": he would in searching for Christians go to their several "houses"' of prayer.
in the Lord—They pray for all blessings on you from the Lord, the source of every good [Grotius]. Alford explains, "in a Christian manner," as mindful of your common Lord. "In the Lord" seems to me to refer to their union together in Christ, their prayers for one another's good being in virtue of that union.
20. holy kiss—the token of the mutual love of Christians, especially at the Lord's Supper (compare Ro 16:16; 1Th 5:26), "in which all the dissensions of the Corinthians would be swallowed up" [Bengel].
21. salutation … with mine own hand—He therefore dictated all the rest of the Epistle.
22. A solemn closing warning added in his own hand as in Eph 6:24; Col 4:18.
the Lord—who ought to be "loved" above Paul, Apollos, and all other teachers. Love to one another is to be in connection with love to Him above all. Ignatius [Epistle to the Romans, 7] writes of Christ, "My love, has been crucified" (compare So 2:7).
Jesus Christ—omitted in the oldest manuscripts.
let him be Anathema—accursed with that curse which the Jews who call Jesus "accursed" (1Co 12:3) are bringing righteously on their own heads [Bengel]. So far from "saluting" him, I bid him be accursed.
Maranatha—Syriac for, "the Lord cometh." A motto or watchword to urge them to preparedness for the Lord's coming; as in Php 4:5, "The Lord is at hand."
23. The grace, &c.—This is the salutation meant in 1Co 16:21; and from which unbelievers (1Co 16:22; compare 2Jo 10:11) are excluded [Bengel].
24. My love, &c.—After having administered some severe rebukes, he closes with expressions of "love": his very rebukes were prompted by love, and therefore are altogether in harmony with the profession of love here made: it was love in Christ Jesus, and therefore embraced "all" who loved Him.
The subscription represents the Epistle as written from Philippi. 1Co 16:8 shows it was written at Ephesus. Bengel conjectures that perhaps, however, it was sent from Philippi (1Co 16:5), because the deputies of the Corinthians had accompanied Paul thither. From Ephesus there was a road to Corinth above Philippi.