The Bible — World English Bible
1 Corinthians 16
In brief
The last chapter of the first letter to the Corinthians is very practical. Paul organizes the collection for the Christians in Jerusalem, announces his travel plans and explains why he is staying in Ephesus: a great and effective door is open, and the adversaries are many. He commends Timothy, Apollos and the household of Stephanas, urges the church to be watchful, stand firm in the faith and do everything in love, then ends with greetings and the word Maranatha.
The chapter in 4 parts
1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.
2On the first day of every week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.
3When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
4If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
5But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.
6But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.
7For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,
9for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11Therefore 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.
12Now 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.
13Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
14Let all that you do be done in love.
15Now 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 serve the saints—
16that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
19The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.
20All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.
22If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Key verses
On the first day of every week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.
Each person sets something aside regularly, on the first day of the week, according to what they can. Paul describes a gift that is regular, personal and proportionate, rather than a last-minute collection.
for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
An open door and many adversaries go together. Paul does not see opposition as proof that he is on the wrong path.
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
Four short commands: watch, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. An exhortation to vigilance and maturity.
Let all that you do be done in love.
Everything you do must be done in love. After chapters on gifts, the resurrection and order, everything is summed up by love, a reminder of 1 Corinthians 13.
If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!
Maranatha means something like our Lord comes in Aramaic. It is one of the oldest cries of Christians, turned toward the return of Christ.
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What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about 1 Corinthians 16
What does “a great and effective door has opened to me” mean (1 Corinthians 16:9)?
Paul speaks of a wide opportunity to proclaim the gospel in Ephesus. He immediately adds that the adversaries are many. The text invites us not to conclude that opposition means it is time to leave. Many preachers see in it an encouragement to persevere, without turning it into an automatic rule.
What does Maranatha mean in 1 Corinthians 16:22?
It is an Aramaic expression that Paul leaves untranslated. It can be understood as our Lord, come, or our Lord is coming. It expresses the expectation of the return of Jesus Christ. It follows a warning to anyone who does not love the Lord, and comes before the blessing of grace.
What does 1 Corinthians 16 say about the collection and giving?
Paul asks for a collection for the Christians in Jerusalem. It is regular, on the first day of the week, personal, with each person setting aside according to what they can, and organized in advance to avoid hurried collections. It is also handled with transparency, by people approved by the church.
Articles quoting 1 Corinthians 16
- 20 Bible Verses for Fathers: Wisdom and Encouragement for Dads
- 20 Bible Verses for Pastor Appreciation: Honoring Those Who Shepherd Us
- Galatians 5: Called to Be Free in Christ
- Matthew 6: Giving in Secret to a Generous God
- 2 Corinthians 5: Ambassador for Christ Where God Sends You
- Acts 20: It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive
World English Bible translation — public domain.