Commentari biblici

In this chapter the apostle, I. Gives directions about some charitable collection to be made in this church, for the afflicted and impoverished churches in Judea, 1Co 16:1-4. II. He talks of paying them a visit, 1Co 16:5-9. III. He recommends Timothy to them, and tells them Apollos intended to come to them, 1Co 16:10-12. IV. He presses them to watchfulness, constancy, charity, and to pay a due regard to all who helped him and his fellow-labourers in their work, 1Co 16:13-19. V. After salutations from others, and his own, he closes the epistle with a solemn admonition to them, and his good wishes for them, 1Co 16:20-24.

The doctrinal part of this Epistle was closed at the end of 1 Corinthians 15; see the introduction. Before closing the Epistle, Paul adverts to some subjects of a miscellaneous nature, and particularly to the subject of a collection for the poor and persecuted Christians in Judea, on which his heart was much set, and to which he several times refers in his epistles; see the note on 1 Corinthians 16:1. This subject he had suggested to them when he was with them, and they had expressed, some time before, the utmost readiness to make the collection, and Paul had commended their readiness when he was urging the same subject in Macedonia; see 2 Corinthians 9:1-15. It is evident, however, that for some cause, perhaps owing to the divisions and contentions in the church, this collection had not yet been made. Paul, therefore, calls their attention to it, and urges them to make it, and to forward it either by him alone, or with others, whom they might designate, to Judea; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4.

In connection with this, he expresses his intention of coming to Corinth, and perhaps of passing the winter with them. He was then in Ephesus. He was expecting to go to Macedonia, probably on the business of the collection. He purposed not to visit them on his way to Macedonia, but on his return. He had formerly intended to pass through Corinth on his way to Macedonia, and had perhaps given them such an intheation of his purpose; 2 Corinthians 1:16-17. But from some cause (see the notes on 2 Corinthians 1:15-23), he tells the Corinthians that he had abandoned the purpose of seeing them on the way to Macedonia, though he still intended to go to Macedonia, and would see them on his return; 1 Corinthians 16:5-7. At that time there was a state of things in Ephesus which required his presence. His labors were greatly blessed; and, as a consequence which often attends the successful preaching of the gospel, there was much opposition.

He had resolved, therefore, to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; 1 Corinthians 16:8-9. In the meantime, to show them his deep interest in them, he informed them that Timothy was coming among them, for whom he asked a kind and cordial reception, and assured them that he had endeavored to persuade Apollos to visit them, but was not able; 1 Corinthians 16:10-12. Paul then urges them to watch, and be firm, and live in love 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; and then besought them to show particular attention to the family of Stephanas, the first-fruits of Achaia 1 Corinthians 16:15-16; and expresses his gratitude that Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus had come to him at Ephesus; 1 Corinthians 16:17-18. They were probably the persons by whom the Corinthians had sent their letter 1 Corinthians 8:1, and by whom Paul sent this Epistle. He then closes the whole epistle with Christian salutations; with an expression of regard in his own handwriting; with a solemn charge to love the Lord Jesus Christ, as the great thing to be done, and with the assurance that, if not done, it would expose the soul to a dreadful curse when the Lord should come; with an invocation of the grace of the Lord Jesus to be with them; and with a tender expression of his own love to them all; 1 Corinthians 16:19-24.

The apostle exhorts the Corinthians to make a contribution for the relief of the poor Christians at Jerusalem; and directs to the best mode of doing it, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4. Promises to pay them a visit after pentecost, 1 Corinthians 16:5-9. Gives directions about the treatment of Timothy and Apollos, 1 Corinthians 16:10-12. And concerning watchfulness, etc., 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Corinthians 16:14. Commends the house of Stephanas, and expresses his satisfaction at the visit paid him by Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus, 1 Corinthians 16:15-18. Sends the salutations of different persons, 1 Corinthians 16:19, 1 Corinthians 16:21. Shows the awful state of those who were enemies to Christ, 1 Corinthians 16:22. And concludes the epistle with the apostolical benediction, 1 Corinthians 16:23, 1 Corinthians 16:24.

INTRODUCTION TO 1 Corinthians 16

This chapter concludes the epistle, with some directions to the Corinthians concerning a collection for the poor saints; with some intimations of himself, Timothy, and Apollos coming to them, and giving them a visit; with exhortations to watchfulness, constancy, courage, and charity; with recommendations of some persons to them mentioned by name; with divers salutations of them by himself and others; and with his good wishes for them. He urges them to make a collection for the poor saints, from the example of the churches of Galatia, according to his order, 1 Corinthians 16:1. He points out the time when he would have it made, on the first day of the week; and the persons that should contribute to it, every member of the church; and the act of distribution, by laying up in store; and the manner, measure, and rule of doing it, according as they were blessed in Providence with temporal things; and the end of it, that there might be no collections to make when the apostle should come among them, 1 Corinthians 16:2 and this, when made, and being ready at his coming, he proposes to send to Jerusalem, by persons approved of and recommended by them, 1 Corinthians 16:3 and that he would also go along with them, should it be thought fit and proper, 1 Corinthians 16:4. He signifies his resolution of coming and paying them a visit, when he should pass through Macedonia, 1 Corinthians 16:5 when he had some thoughts of tarrying with them for a while, at least throughout the winter season, 1 Corinthians 16:6 in all which he submits to the will of God, 1 Corinthians 16:7. The reason why he could not come as yet was, because he had determined to stay at Ephesus till Pentecost, where he now was, 1 Corinthians 16:8 and what prevailed upon him to stay there was, because there was an opportunity of preaching the Gospel with a prospect of success; and there were many enemies to hinder it all they could, and therefore the apostle's presence seemed necessary, 1 Corinthians 16:9. He intimates, that Timothy would come to them shortly, and exhorts them to take care of him, and carry it respectfully to him; giving this as a reason, because he was engaged in the same work of the Lord he himself was, 1 Corinthians 16:10. He enjoins them, that whilst he should continue with them they would not despise him on account of his youth; and when he should depart from them, to conduct him in peace to him who was in expectation of him, along with other brethren, 1 Corinthians 16:11 and then he excuses Apollos not coming to them at present; and observes, that it was not for want of entreaty in him, but for want of will in Apollos, who notwithstanding would come when a convenient time should offer, 1 Corinthians 16:12. Next follow several exhortations to be upon their watch and guard, to be steadfast in the doctrine, grace, and profession of faith, and to behave themselves like men of a truly Christian spirit and courage, and to do everything in their church state in the exercise of the grace of love, 1 Corinthians 16:13 and then he recommends unto them the family of Stephanas, and exhorts them to have them in respect and reverence, and be subject to such, and particularly that family; partly because they were the firstfruits of his ministry, in those parts; and partly because they had given up themselves to the ministry of the saints, 1 Corinthians 16:15 as also because the coming of Stephanas to him, together with two other persons, named Fortunatus and Achaicus, had made him glad; supplied what was lacking in them; had refreshed his spirit and theirs; and therefore should be took notice of, and respectfully used, 1 Corinthians 16:17. And then follow various salutations, first of the churches of Asia in general, then of Aquila and Priscilla, and the church in their house, 1 Corinthians 16:19. Next of all the brethren at Ephesus, or that were with the apostle, 1 Corinthians 16:20 and last of all of the apostle himself, 1 Corinthians 16:21. And the chapter is closed with several wishes of different sorts, and which respect different persons; those that love not Christ, and live and die so, he wishes they may be accursed at the coming of the Lord, as they will be; and which is mentioned to deter professors of religion from everything that looked like want of love to Christ, whom they professed, 1 Corinthians 16:22 as for others, even as many as loved Christ, and which he hoped of them all, he wishes the grace of Christ might be with them, 1 Corinthians 16:23 and gives his love to them all, without any distinction; and which is to be understood not of a natural, but spiritual affection, it being in Christ, and for his sake, 1 Corinthians 16:24.

DIVISION VI. BUSINESS, NEWS, AND GREETINGS, 16. The Ap. has delivered his mind to the Cor[2592] upon the questions which prompted this great Ep. He had reserved to the last the profound and solemn problem of the Future Life, in its treatment of which the conceit of intellect and the moral levity that spoiled this powerful Greek Church found their most characteristic expression. To the defence and exposition of the Christian hope of the Resurrection of the Body P. has devoted in chap. 15. all his powers of dialectic and of theological construction, bringing his argument to the glorious conclusion with which, in § 56, the thought of the Ep. culminates. He has thus carried his readers far away from the Cor[2593] atmosphere of jealousy and debate, of sensuality and social corruption, infecting their Church, to seat them in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. There remain a few matters of personal interest, to be disposed of in two or three paragraphs—concerning the collection for Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4), his own and Timothy’s intended visits, and the invitation declined by Apollos (1 Corinthians 16:5-12). These are followed by an energetic final exhortation, into which is woven a commendation of Stephanas and other Cor[2594] now with P. (1 Corinthians 16:13-18), and by the epistolary salutations which are full and animated, a word of severe warning being attached to his own affectionate greeting and autograph signature (1 Corinthians 16:19-24).

[2592] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2593] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2594] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

CHAPTER 16

1 Corinthians 16:2. σαββάτου] recommended by Griesb., adopted also by Lachm. Rück. Tisch., following A B C D E F G J א** 17, Syr. Vulg. Chrys., al. Elz. and Scholz, however, have σαββάτων, an alteration in accordance with passages such as Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1.—1 Corinthians 16:7. Instead of the second γάρ, Elzevir has δέ, against decisive evidence. An alteration to express the antithesi.

ἐπιτρέπῃ] Lachm. Rück. Tisch. read, as approved previously by Griesb.: ἐπιτρέψῃ, following A B C J א, min. Chrys. Theoph. ms. Rightly; comp. Hebrews 6:3.—1 Corinthians 16:17. ὑμῶν] ὑμέτερον should be adopted, according to preponderant evidence; and comp. Php 2:30.

Instead of οὗτοι, A D E F G, 64, Vulg. Chrys. Oec. Ambrosiast. have αὐτοί, which is recommended by Griesb. and adopted by Lachm. Rück. Tisch. Rightly; the external evidence is considerable enough, and οὗτοι might easily be written on the margin by way of gloss.—1 Corinthians 16:19. In place of Πρίσκιλλα we should write Πρίσκα, with Tisch., following B א, 17, and several vss. Pel. The former name was taken from the Acts.—1 Corinthians 16:22. Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν in Elz. after κύριον (against A B C* א* and several min. Aeth. Copt.) is an old, readily-occurring addition.

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.