PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| The Contribution for the Saints | Collection for the Saints | Final Messages | The Offering for Needy Believers | Commendations, Greetings |
| 16:1-4 | 16:1-4 | 16:1-4 | 16:1-4 | 16:1-4 |
| Plans for Travel | Personal Plans | Paul’s Plans | ||
| 16:5-9 | 16:5-12 | 16:5-9 | 16:5-7 | 16:5-9 |
| 16:8-9 | ||||
| 16:10-11 | 16:10-11 | 16:10-11 | 16:10-12 | |
| 16:12 | 16:12 | 16:12 | ||
| Final Request and Greetings | Final Exhortations | Final Words | ||
| 16:13-14 | 16:13-18 | 16:13-14 | 16:13-14 | 16:13-14 |
| 16:15-18 | 16:15-18 | 16:15-16 | 16:15-18 | |
| Greetings and a Solemn Farewell | 16:17-18 | |||
| 16:19-20 | 16:19-24 | 16:19-20 | 16:19-20a | 16:19-20 |
| 16:20b | ||||
| 16:21-24 | 16:21-24 | 16:21 | 16:21 | |
| 16:22a | 16:22 | |||
| 16:22b | ||||
| 16:23 | 16:23 | |||
| 16:24 | 16:24 |
READING CYCLE THREE (see
“Bible
Interpretation Seminar”)
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which
means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the
light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not
relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare
your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is
the key to following the original author’s intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every
paragraph has one and only one subject.
- First paragraph
- Second paragraph
- Third paragraph, etc.
INTRODUCTION
- Chapter 15 is a highly developed theological argument dealing with the reality of resurrection,
while chapter 16 is related to daily practical Christianity. Paul has no problem moving between
truth and life. They must be held together. This type of sudden shift from one subject to another
characterizes Paul’s writings. - Brief Outline:
- 1 Cor. 16:1-4, collection for Judean poor
- 1 Cor. 16:5-9, tentative travel plans to Corinth
- 1 Cor. 16:10-12, other Christian workers
- 1 Cor. 16:13-18, final admonitions
- 1 Cor. 16:19-24, closing greetings
- Paul’s relationship with Aquila and Prisca:
- They were Jewish tent makers (or leather workers) in Rome. Claudius’ edict
of A.D. 49-50, which banned all Jewish worship practices (which
at this period included church activities), forced them to move. - They met Paul in Corinth, Acts 18:2.
- They later moved to Ephesus and began a house church, 1 Cor. 16:19.
- They moved back to Rome after Claudius died in A.D. 54 and the
edict was rescinded, Rom. 16:6.
- They were Jewish tent makers (or leather workers) in Rome. Claudius’ edict
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
÷1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-4
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-4
1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. 3When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; 4and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
16:1 “Now concerning” “Peri de” is a Greek phrase which introduces Paul’s answers to
questions which the Corinthian church had sent Paul (cf. 1 Cor. 7:1,25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1,12).
▣ “the collection” Logia is a term which has been found in the Greek papyri
in Egypt as a gift of money for a religious purpose, but not related to a regular tax (cf. Moulton,
Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, p. 377). Paul first mentioned this concern
for the poor in Judea in a conversation with James, Peter, John, and Barnabas in Gal. 2:10; 6:10. This
specific offering was begun by the church at Antioch where Paul and Barnabas served, Acts 11:27-30.
This offering is mentioned in several NT books (cf. Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 Cor. 16:1). It was an
attempt to seal the relationship between the Hebrew mother church and the Gentile churches.
Paul calls this one-time contribution by several names.
- almsgiving (gifts of charity), Acts 24:17; see
Special Topic: Alsmgiving - fellowship, Rom. 15:26,27; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:13; see
Special Topic:
Koinōnia (fellowship) - an indebtedness, Rom. 15:27
- service, Rom. 15:27; 2 Cor. 9:12
▣ “for the saints” “Saints” (hogioi) is from the OT term “holy” (kadosh), which
meant “set apart for God’s service” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1; Rom. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2).
It is always PLURAL in the NT except for one time in Philippians (4:21), but even there,
it is used corporately. To be saved is to be part of the covenant community of faith, the family of believers.
God’s people are holy because of the imputed righteousness of Jesus (cf. Romans 4;
2 Cor. 5:21). It is God’s will that they live holy lives (cf. 1 Cor. 1:4; 4:1; 5:27; Col. 1:22; 3:12).
Believers are both declared holy (positional sanctification) and called to lifestyle holiness
(progressive sanctification). Justification and sanctification must be firmly held together!
▣ “as I directed the churches of Galatia” Paul was not treating the church at Corinth
differently. There was a standard procedure (cf. 1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17; 11:34; 14:33; Titus 1:5) in this
offering. We do not know how Paul communicated this to the Galatian churches. As a matter of fact
we are not sure to which churches this term refers. Some think this refers to the Roman province
while others think it is to a language or ethnic group. See Introduction to Galatians online.
▣ “churches” See
Special Topic: Church (ekklēsia)
16:2 “On the first day of every week” This pattern of worship was set by Jesus’ early
post-resurrection appearances on Sunday night (cf. John 20:19,20). It developed into the
regular worship day for the assembled church (cf. Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10). Sunday was the first
work day of the week up until the time of Constantine (Emperor of the Roman Empire from
A.D. 306-337). The Christians met before work on Sundays for worship,
preaching, and the Lord’s Supper.
The Jewish leaders reorganized after the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70
and inaugurated several reforms. One of them was an oath which cursed and rejected Jesus as the Messiah.
The early believers met with the synagogue on the Sabbath and with the church on Sunday. However,
this oath forced a split and believers made Sunday their designated worship day.
▣ “each one of you is to put aside and save” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE
followed by a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE used as an IMPERATIVE. This text
seems to imply that as the first of the week came, each individual put an offering in a safe place at
home, later to be taken to the church. However, the fact that it was on Sunday implies that they deposited
the funds collected daily at the weekly worship service (cf. Justin Martyr, Apology 1.67-68).
Notice that this brief verse combined with 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 gives us the basic guidelines
for NT giving:
- regularly
- as a priority
- voluntarily
- joyfully
- proportionally
It is surprising that NT authors do not discuss regular Christian giving. Paul’s
words of encouragement and procedure for the one-time gift of the Gentile churches to the mother
church in Jerusalem are the only guidelines related to this subject. Christians realized that they
were owners of nothing and stewards of all their resources. This understanding supercedes the OT
concept of “tithing.” It is surely true that you can tell a person’s priorities by his checkbook
and his calendar! Christian giving is an issue of an overflowing heart, not a calculator!
| NASB, NKJV | ”as he may prosper” |
| NRSV | ”whatever extra you can” |
| TEV | ”in proportion to what you have earned” |
| NJB | ”as much as each can spare” |
| Peshitta, REB | ”whatever he can afford” |
This is literally “whatever if he may be prospered” (A. T. Robertson,
Word Pictures In the New Testament, says, “it is uncertain what grammatical
form eudō tai is, PRESENT PASSIVE SUBJUNCTIVE, PERFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE,,
or even PERFECT PASSIVE SUBJUNCTIVE” p. 200). This was a Greek idiom wishing one
a happy, successful journey (for commercial purposes). Paul is using it as a principle of
Christian giving (i.e., according to your ability, cf. 2 Cor. 8:3,11).
Be careful of people who try to make this, and verses like it, promise “prosperity” to all
believers. One of the best books I have read about this inappropriate theology is by a charismatic author,
Gordon Fee, in his booklet “The Disease of the Health, Wealth Gospel.”
▣ “so that no collection be made when I come” Paul was always cautious about the proper
handling of money. Probably he had
- seen problems develop in this area
- been personally accused in this area
He will take no money from the churches he was currently working with and also when
this gift is taken to Jerusalem he wants representatives of the various churches to accompany
him. He is not even sure he will go himself (cf. 1 Cor. 16:4).
16:3 “whomever you approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift” This verse
is an interesting mixture of apostolic authority and congregational authority. It has been
debated as to who wrote the letters of recommendation, Paul or the church (cf. Acts 18:27).
Both are grammatically possible. The King James Version and RSV assume it was the church while
the Williams NT, TEV, NIV, NJB, and REB assume Paul. Paul wants the church to pick out
representatives to accompany the offering lest he be accused of wrong motives, as he so often
was by this church (cf. 1 Cor. 9:3-18).
Paul often wrote letters of recommendation for his co-workers (cf. Rom. 16:1;
2 Cor. 3:1; ;8:18-24; and other examples, Acts 9:2; 22:5; 3 John). Paul uses this concept
metaphorically in 2 Cor. 3:1 in the sense that his functioning churches were his letter of
recommendation. Apparently the Apostle John also employed this same type of letter (cf. 3 John 9).
In a sense this was the method by which early churches affirmed their itinerant gospel ministers.
16:4 “if” This is a THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which meant potential action.
| NASB | ”it is fitting for me to go” |
| NKJV | ”it is fitting that I go” |
| NRSV | ”it seems advisable” |
| TEV | ”it seems worthwhile” |
| NJB | ”it is worth my going” |
This seems to relate to
- the size of the offering
- the one who started this offering accompanying it
- Paul’ wanting this church, which had such problems with his authority, to recognize
his proper role and trustworthiness.
÷1 CORINTHIANS 16:5-9
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:5-9
5But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia; 6and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go. 7For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits. 8But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; 9for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
16:5-9 Paul was writing from Ephesus on his third missionary journey. He was later
attacked by a group within the church at Corinth because of his supposed “fickle” travel plans
(cf. 2 Cor. 1:15ff). He first was going to take the sea route to Corinth and then pass through
Macedonia, but since he wanted to stay longer, he decided to go by land route through Macedonia
first and then to Corinth. He stayed the winter there (cf. Acts 20:2,3). Some in the church used
Paul’s indecision in his travel plans to attack his theology (i.e., gospel).
16:6 “so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go” The VERB propempō
is used as a technical term for supplying the travel needs of God’s itinerant ministers
(cf. 1 Cor. 16:11, “send him on,” cf. Acts 15:3; Rom. 15:24; 2 Cor. 1:16; Titus 3:13; 3 John 6).
16:7 “if the Lord permits” This is a THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which
means potential action. This was not a trite phrase with the NT Christians. They believed their
steps were providentially guided by the Lord (cf. Acts 18:21; 1 Cor. 4:19; James. 4:14; Heb. 6:3).
16:8 “Pentecost” This term usually means “fiftieth.” It refers to the wheat harvest festival
(i.e., Feast of Weeks, cf. Num. 28:26) of the Jews that occurred 50 days after the second day of
the Feast of Unleavened Bread (i.e., Nisan 16). In this context it seems it is used as a
method of dating Paul’s travel plans and not asserting that Paul still kept these Jewish feast days.
Special Topic: Feasts of Israel
| 16:9 | |
| NASB | ”for a wide door for effective service has opened to me” |
| NKJV | ”For a great and effective door has opened to me” |
| NRSV | ”for a wide door for effective work has opened to me” |
| TEV | ”There is a real opportunity here for great and worthwhile work” |
| NJB | ”a very promising door is standing wide open to me” |
This is a PREFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. The use of the
term “door” as imagery for opportunity is common in the NT (cf. Acts 14:27;
2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3; Rev. 3:8).
Special Topic: Use of “Door” in the NT
▣ “there are many adversaries” God’s opportunities are often accompanied by opposition.
For the specific historical setting read Acts 19:19-20; 20:19,23.
÷1 CORINTHIANS 16:10-11
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:10-11
10Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am. 11So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
16:10 “if” This is a THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE, meaning potential
action. It seems that Paul had already sent Timothy and Erastus (cf. Acts 19:22), and possibly
Titus (cf. 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6,7) on to Corinth by the land route. He was sending his letter by
sea and it would arrive quicker.
▣ “Timothy” See
Special Topic: Timothy
▣ “see that he is with you without cause to be afraid” Paul puts this in the form
of a command (i.e., PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE). He knew personally how unloving
the church could be. He did not want his young assistant to be slighted because of
- his age
- his personality
- their anger toward Paul (cf. 1 Cor. 16:11)
| 16:11 | |
| NASB, NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta | ”So let no one despise him” |
| TEV | ”No one should look down on him” |
| NJB | ”nobody is to underrate him” |
| REB | ”no one must slight him” |
This is an AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE which literally
means “to make absolute nothing of” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:28; 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:15).
▣ “with the brethren” We are not sure who this involved. It may possibly be Erastus
(cf. Acts 19:22, and Titus, 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6-7), but who else, if anyone, is uncertain.
÷1 CORINTHIANS 16:12
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:12
12 But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.
16:12 “But concerning” This is another answer to a question asked by the Corinthian
church (cf. 1 Cor. 7:1,25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1,12).
▣ “Apollos” This was a highly educated and eloquent preacher from Alexandria,
Egypt. He was in Corinth earlier (cf. Acts 18:24-19:1), but he refused to go back (cf. 1 Cor. 16:12).
▣ “and it was not at all his desire to come now” The text can be interpreted in two ways:
- it was not Apollos’ will to come
- it was not God’s will for him to come
From this verse it seems that Apollos had left Ephesus between the time Paul talked to
him and the writing of this letter.
÷1 CORINTHIANS 16:13-14
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13-14
13Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14Let all that you do be done in love.
16:13-14 This is a series of five PRESENT IMPERATIVES. They are very
similar to the practical admonitions of 1 Cor. 15:58. The first four are THIRD PERSON PLURAL and
have a military background. The last is SECOND PERSON SINGULAR and seems to address
the corporate church.
| 16:13 | |
| NASB, REB | ”Be on the alert” |
| NKJV, Peshitta | ”watch” |
| NRSV | ”keep alert” |
| TEV | ”be alert” |
| NJB | ”be vigilant” |
This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. Its basic meaning is to
awake, used in the sense of “watch out” (cf. Matt. 24:42; 25:13; 26:38,40,48; Mark 13:35,37;
14:34,37,38). Paul is admonishing them to be alert and watchful against a factious spirit,
heresy, debauchery, and pride!
| NASB, TEV, Peshitta, REB | ”stand firm in the faith” |
| NKJV | ”stand fast in the faith” |
| NRSV | ”stand firm in your faith” |
| NJB | ”stay firm in the faith” |
This is another PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. This is a
military term for holding one’s position. “In the faith” refers to Christian truth or
Christian doctrine (cf. Jude 1:3, 20).
Special Topic: Stand (histēmi)
▣ “act like men” This is a PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVE.
This is the only NT use of the term. It is the verb form of the term anēr, which
meant a mature man or a husband. It appears in the LXX in Jos. 1:6. It is not generic
(i.e., referring only to males), but encourages the whole church to act appropriately as mature and
brave believers.
▣ “be strong” This is a PRESENT PASSIVE IMPERATIVE.
16:14 “Let all that you do be done in love” Notice “all” is fronted in the Greek text for emphasis. In a religious and cultural situation as dynamic, diverse, and problematic as Corinth, love is crucial. This is another present middle (deponent) imperative. Orthodoxy and orthopraxy without love is not God’s will or way (cf. 1 Cor. 14:1)! It is hard to realize that the means (for Christians) is as crucial as the ends.
÷1 CORINTHIANS 16:15-18
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:15-18
15Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), 16that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. 18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
16:15 “I urge you” This goes with 1 Cor. 16:16. Paul has inserted a parenthetical thought
about the household of Stephanas.
▣ “brethren” The NRSV has “brothers and sisters,” which is Paul’s intent to
address the entire church. Paul uses this word in his letters to introduce a new subject or
a development of his presentation.
▣ “the household of Stephanas” These early converts (i.e., first fruits) were
apparently leaders in the local church. Paul mentions other early believers in Acts 17:34.
The concept of “households” converting all at once when the head of the family
converts (cf. Cornelius, Acts 11:14-17; Lydia, Acts 16:14-15; Philippian jailer, Acts 16:31-33)
is often difficult for evangelicals who emphasize individual conversions. Yet the culture is
crucial in understanding not only how family faith works, but also tribal faith. God is not
limited to or unduly impressed by modern western individualism! This is so painful for our
parochial thinking and dogmatism.
The concept of “household” conversions is used by denominations to affirm
infant baptism. Usually Israel’s circumcision rites are also noted as incorporating eight-day
old children into the family of Israel. Probably biblically the beginning must be viewed from
the end. True faith grows, repents, believes, obeys, and perseveres. True faith is seen by
its fruits, not only its initiating rites (cf. 1 Cor. 16:16b and James and 1 John).
▣ “they devoted themselves for ministry” This is a very interesting phrase. The
term “devoted” is tassō, which usually means “to appoint.” Faith, true faith,
sees its purpose in service! To understand the gospel demands a willingness to give ourselves
away in service for others as Jesus gave Himself away for us (cf. 1 John 3:16). This is the
normal development of faith, not the exceptional. As the factions (i.e., Corinthian elite)
pursued self-interest, self-promotion, self-direction, true faith pursues love (cf. 1 Cor. 14:4; 16:14).
Believers are saved and gifted for the Great Commission (cf. Matt. 28:19-20; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8)
and the common good of the body of Christ, the church (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7).
Stephanas and his household decided to use their resources for the kingdom. If Stephanas
was a wealthy member of the elite social class then his actions modeled Paul’s teachings. He became
the model for other wealthy elite members of the church (cf. Bruce W. Winter, After Paul Left Corinth,
pp. 184-205).
▣ “ministry” See
Special Topic: Servant Leadership
▣ “saints” See
Special Topic: Saints
16:16 “that you also be in subjection to such men” This is a PRESENT PASSIVE SUBJUNCTIVE.
“Subjection” (hupotassō) is a military term for aligning oneself within a chain of command. In
Paul’s letters to the Corinthians it is used of
- the spirits of prophets in subject to prophets, 1 Cor. 14:32
- all things subject to Jesus, 1 Cor. 15:27
- Jesus subject to the Father, 1 Cor. 15:28
- believers subject to godly leaders, 1 Cor. 16:16
There may be a word play between leaders “devoted themselves to service”
(from tassō) and “believers submitting themselves
(hupo plus tassō) to the godly leaders” (cf. 2 Cor. 9:12-13).
This church had problems in the area of the proper treatment and respect of its true
leaders (cf. 1 Cor. 16:18; 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:17). Clement of Rome’s letter, written to this same
church 40 years later, shows that they still had the same problem.
16:17 “Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus” Some have asserted that the last two names, of whom we
hear nothing else in the NT, were members of Stephanas’ family. Some assert that they were all three slaves,
but this cannot be substantiated. They seem to have brought the letter from the Corinthian church to Paul.
Paul had received some information about the church from Chloe’s people. Clement of Rome wrote to Corinth
about 40 years later and he mentions a presbyter named Fortunatus.
▣ “they have supplied what was lacking on your part” This phrase sounds negative in English, but
it is not meant that way. Their report brought Paul news from this church which he loved, even with all of
its problems (cf. 1 Cor. 16:24). They functioned as the churches’ representatives to Paul. Exactly what they
did for Paul, besides bring him joy (cf. 1 Cor. 16:18) with their presence, is uncertain.
16:18 “my spirit and yours” It is obvious from the context Paul is using “spirit” as a way of referring
to himself (cf. 1 Cor. 2:11; 5:4; 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:13; Rom. 1:9; 8:16; Phil. 4:23).
Special Topic: Spirit in the NT
| NASB, NKJV | ”acknowledge such men” |
| NRSV | ”So give recognition to such persons” |
| TEV | ”Such men as these deserve notice” |
| NJB | ”you should appreciate people like them” |
This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE of “ginōskō“
in the sense of acknowledge (cf. 2 Cor. 3:2) or to know so as to accept (cf. 1 Cor. 8:3).
÷1 CORINTHIANS 16:19-20
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:19-20
19The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
16:19 “The churches of Asia” This refers to the first century Roman province of the western one-third
of the modern country of Turkey.
▣ “Aquila and Prisca” Aquila was a Jewish tentmaker (or leather worker), like Paul. All Jews,
even rabbis, were taught a trade so that they would not take money for their teaching. Aquila’s wife,
Priscilla or Prisca, is listed first four times out of the six that they are mentioned (cf. Acts 18:2,18,26;
Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19). Many have noticed that her name was a Roman noble name (gens Prisca).
Since she is mentioned first, which is highly unusual for Jewish people, many have seen in them a great love story
of a Roman wealthy lady and an itinerant Jewish tentmaker!
The Textus Receptus has Priscilla, which is her name in Acts 18:2,18,26. It also appears
in Rom. 16:3 and here. This follows the Greek manuscripts A, C, D, F, G, K, L, the Syriac translations,
and most later minuscule manuscripts. However, Paul calls her Prisca, which is found in manuscripts
P46, א, B, M, and the Vulgate and Coptic translations. See
Bruce Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, p. 570.
▣ “the church that is in their house” The early church had no buildings. They met in homes.
This was because of
- lack of money
- need for secrecy, since Christianity became an illegal religion in the Roman Empire at a very early time
- the need for an appearance of legality since the early churches organized like Roman social societies
The house church concept begins in Acts 2:46; 5:4. It is continued and developed in Romans 16:5,23, Col. 4:15; Philemon 2.
▣ “All the brethren greet you” This obviously refers to the whole church, not just the males.
16:20 “Greet one another with a holy kiss” This form of public greeting (kissing on one or both cheeks)
and sign of fellowship can be seen in the OT in Exod. 4:27. It can be seen in the Gospels in Mark 14:45. It
became standardized in the early church (cf. Rom.16:16; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14), which
followed the pattern of the Synagogue. Men kissed men and women kissed women. It came to be abused by some
Christians and misunderstood by unbelievers and was dropped by the early church. However, it still continues
on special occasions in the eastern churches. Its modern equivalent western would be a warm handshake or hug.
÷1 CORINTHIANS 16:21-24
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:21-24
21The greeting is in my own hand- Paul. 22If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha. 23Thegrace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
16:21 “The greeting is in my own hand- Paul” This was the common practice of Paul after dictating his
correspondence. It was a way of assuring its genuineness (cf. Gal. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:2; 3:17; Col. 4:18; Philemon 19).
16:22 “If” This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE. Apparently some in the Corinthian
church did not love the Lord!
▣ “does not love” This is the Greek word “phileō.” Paul does not use this term for love
very often (cf. Titus 3:15). Because of this, many have assumed that he is quoting a hymn or liturgical formula.
It is the same root as “kiss” (philēma). “Phileō” in Koine Greek became synonymous
with “agapaō” (cf. John 5:20; 16:27), but at times there can still be a contextual distinction
(cf. John 21:15-17).
▣ “accursed” “Anathema” is a Greek word which reflects the Hebrew term “herem” or
something dedicated to God, which then becomes holy and must be destroyed (ex. Jericho in Jos. 6:17-19). It
came to be used in the sense of a divine curse (cf. Acts 22:12,14; Rom. 9:31; 1 Cor. 12:3; 16:22; Gal. 1:8-9).
This strong statement may reflect the presence of the false teachers at Corinth (cf. 1 Cor. 12:3). It is
possible that it reflects a current practice in Corinth. See note on the term at 1 Cor. 12:3.
▣ “Maranatha” Jesus and the early apostles spoke Aramiac (not Hebrew). It had become the
common language since the Perisan Empire. There are several Aramaic words/phrases recorded in the NT.
- talitha kum ‒ Mark 5:41
- ephphatha ‒ Mark 7:34
- abba ‒ Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15
- maranatha ‒ 1 Cor. 16:22
16:23 “the grace of the Lord Jesus” The first step in interpreting the Bible is to establish the
original wording. A helpful resource for this is the United Bible Societies’ A Textual Commentary on
the Greek New Testament, by Bruce M. Metzger. To show how helpful it can be let me quote the paragraph
on this verse.
“The Textus Receptus, following אc A C D F G K L M
most minuscules, including 6 424c 920 1739, itd,g,r syrp,h cop8a,bo
arm eth, reads Ίησοῡ Χρισκοῡ. The shorter
reading Ίησοῡ, which is supported by א* B 2 33 35 226 356 442
823 1611 1908 2002 vg goth al, is to be preferred. In view of the presence of the longer reading in
other Pauline benedictions (Ro 16.24; 2 Cor 13.13; Ga 6.18; Php 4.23; I Th 5.28; 2 Th 3.18; Phm 25), as well
as the natural proclivity of scribes to expand the sacred name, it is perhaps remarkable that any witnesses
should have resisted such pressures” (p. 570).
16:24 “My love be with you all” This is one of the rare expressions of Paul’s personal love. Notice
his expressed love to all in a church which had been so factious and hateful.
▣ “Amen” See note at 1 Cor. 14:16.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are
responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You,
the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this
section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
- List the questions which the Church at Corinth had written to Paul.
- What were the different sources of Paul’s information about current conditions in the Corinthian Church?
- List the guidelines for New Testament giving.
- Why was Paul so interested in the contribution to the Church at Jerusalem?
- Why did Paul still keep the Jewish feast days after he was saved?
- How is 16:15 reconciled with Acts 17:34?
- Who were Aquila and Prisca?
- Why did Paul use an Aramaic phrase in a letter to a Greek church?
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