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1 Corinthians
Chapter 16

Theme: Final exhortations
In this chapter we will find a miscellaneous mixture, a collection of things. First Paul discusses the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, but then discusses other things. He speaks of opportunities and opposition, about watching and praying, about the conduct of the church, about the critical test of doctrine of the Gospel, and about that which is spiritual. The church as a whole is in view here.  
It seems that poverty prevailed in Jerusalem among the believers more than in any other part of the church. Almost all the special appeals in Paul's letters to provide for the poor refer primarily to the poor in Jerusalem. He had urged the churches of Galatia to make a collection for their relief; and then those of Macedonia, and he now addresses the Corinthians. The collection made by the Syrian churches (Acts 11:29), was the result of the drought the Christian prophet Agabus warned his brothers was to come on all the world. Whatever the cause may have been, the fact is certain that the saints in Jerusalem were in need of help from their richer brothers. Paul worked hard on their behalf. A contribution was to be made on the Lord's Day every week, in their homes, in proportion to their resources, so that the collection might be ready when he came.

Paul had just said that no good deed is ever useless (1 Cor.15:58). In this chapter he mentions some practical deeds that have value for all Christians.

The doctrinal part of this Letter was closed at the end of the 15th chapter. Before closing this Letter, Paul brings up some other subjects, especially the subject of a collection for the poor and persecuted Christians in Judea. This subject he had suggested to them when he was with them, and they had expressed willingness to make the collection, and Paul had praised their readiness when he was urging the same subject in Macedonia (See 2 Cor.ch.9). But it seems, for some reason, this collection had not yet been made, so Paul calls their attention to it, and urges them to make it.

The Collection (1 Cor.16:1-4)

1 Cor.16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. (KJV)

Now concerning the collection for the saints . . . Paul begins by talking about taking up an offering! He is talking about a collection of money for the poor saints in Jerusalem. Money is a matter that many people would rather not discuss. But Paul is going to lay out a system for Christian giving. It was not new to them, but it was needed to give some instructions in regard to the way that it should be done, not in regard to the duty of making it. All his instructions relate simply to the manner in which the collection should be made. The word saints here no doubt refers to Christians . . .  to the persecuted Christians in Judea. There were many there; and they were in general poor, and exposed to various trials and tribulations.
As I have given order to the churches of Galatia . . .  as I have directed, commanded, arranged. It does not mean that Paul had assumed the authority to tax them, or that he had commanded them to make a collection, but that he had left directions as to the best way that it should be done. The collection was voluntary and willingly in all the churches (Rom.15:25-27; 2 Cor.9:2). Paul did not assume authority to inflict the collection on them as a tax. They were willing to do so, so it was not necessary. Self-denial and generosity were among the distinguishing virtues of the early Christians. To be a Christian then meant that a man would freely impart of his property to help the poor and the needy. Paul’s order related solely to the manner of making the collection; and as Paul had suggested one method to the churches in Galatia, he recommended the same now to the Corinthians. Galatia was a province in Asia Minor. On its situation (see Acts 16:5). There were evidently several churches planted in that region (Gal.1:2).
Even so do ye . . .  Paul suggests that the Corinthians set up a similar program as in Galatia.

1 Cor.16:2 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. (KJV)

Upon the first day of the week . . . Sunday was already being kept holy by Christians as the day of the Lord's resurrection.
Let every one of you . . . let the collection be with them all. Each one should regard it his duty and his privilege to give to the poor. It was not to be confined to the rich only, but was the common duty of all in the church. The poor, as well as the rich, were expected to contribute according to their ability.
Lay by him in store . . . let him lay up at home, as he has been prospered. Let him set aside a certain part. Paul says let him do this by himself, when he is at home, when he can calmly look at the how he has been blessed. He was not to do it under the influence of moving appeals, or for the sake of show when he is with others. He should decide this when he is by himself. They were to decide in their own mind the amount which they could give, and have it in readiness when Paul came. This clearly was to be done on each Lord's day until Paul should come.
As God hath prospered him . . . hath prospered properly means, as God has so blessed him. This is the rule which Paul lays down here to guide the Christians at Corinth in giving alms, a rule that applies now, and is as valuable now, as it was then.
That there be no gatherings when I come . . . no collections when I come. Paul means that there should be collection of small sums; that all should all be prepared, that each one had laid by what he could afford to give; and that all would be ready to be handed over to him, or to whoever they might choose to send with it to Jerusalem.
Comment: I am firmly against the tithe in the Christian church. Tithing was a "law" given exclusively for the nation Israel. It was a "law" given by God, to the eleven tribes of Israel. The tribe of Levi (Levites) were the ONLY ones ever given authority by God, to accept tithes from people (Num.18:20-32). In the Book of Malachi, God calls "tithing" an ORDINANCE (law for the Jews Mal.3:7-8). Col. 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (KJV) . . . Paul tells us very clearly here in this verse, that tithing (along with ALL the rest of the Jewish Law) was abolished or canceled, nullified, revoked, rescinded, terminated, wiped out under the new covenant! We are NOT under the Mosiac Law, we are under grace (Rom.6:14). Thank You Jesus!
Christian giving (the church) is a personal matter, between the individual and God! If you want to give 10%, that is your option, BUT there is NO law anywhere in the Bible saying you have to tithe. Giving is between you and God. The law of tithing was ONLY for Israel!
Should Christians tithe? http://www.hisservants.org/tithing_h_s.htm

Some FALSE ideas about the Sabbath:
#1. That Christians must keep the Jewish Sabbath. NOT in the Bible!
#2. That Christians are obligated to keep a certain day. NOT in the Bible!
#3. That all who keep Sunday have the mark of the beast. NOT in the Bible!
#4. That all who keep Sunday are lost. NOT in the Bible!
#5. That Christians never held a religious service on the first day of the week (Sunday). FALSE! The early Christians DID have services on Sunday. (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor.16:2)
#6. That the Lord's Day is the seventh day or the old Jewish Sabbath. NOT in the Bible!
#7. That the fourth commandment is part of the new covenant. FALSE!
#8. That Christians are not to work on Saturday. NOT in the Bible!
#9. That the Law of Moses and the fourth commandment (Sabbath) were for Gentiles as well as Jews. FALSE! NOT in the Bible!
#10. That Saturday is a holy day, the Sabbath, a day of rest, a day of worship, or a day sanctified in the new covenant for Christians. FALSE! NOT in the Bible!
#11. That Saturday was the only day the apostles recognized as a day of rest and worship. FALSE! NOT in the Bible!
#12. That Jesus instituted the old Jewish Sabbath. FALSE! NOT in the Bible!
#13. That Sunday cannot be as holy as any other day sanctified or set apart for the worship of God. FALSE!
#14. That Christians are obligated to observe a particular day of the week as people were bound to do under the old covenant. FALSE! NOT in the Bible!

All the above are FALSE! Do NOT believe the CULTS that teach these things!

1 Cor.16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. (KJV)

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters . . . it is clear that although Paul was willing to go to Corinth, yet it seems he was not expecting to go. If he did not go, it was expected that he should give them letters of recommendation on behalf of his brethren in Judea. Paul would give letters to his friends in Jerusalem, and certify their appointment to dispense the offerings.
Them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem . . . your gift, yourdonation, your alms. Liberality here means an act of grace or favor, kindness; a favor rendered (2 Cor.8:4,6.7,19).

1 Cor.16:4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. (KJV)

And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me . . . if it be judged best, if his presence could encourage them to be freer with their contribution, he promised them he would go along with those that carried it, if it were thought proper. Whether Paul, according to this, did go to Corinth, some question (2 Cor.1:15-16). Others think, that he speaks there of another journey, which he intended and that he did go in a fulfilling of this promise here, because in Acts 20:1-38, we see that he went into Greece, and spent a considerable time there; during which it is very likely that he did visit the church of Corinth.

Paul's Personal Comments (1 Cor.16:5-9)

1 Cor.16:5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. (KJV)

Now I will come unto you . . . Paul had expected to see them on his way to Macedonia, but, for some reason, he had been persuaded to abandon that plan (2 Cor.1:16-17).
When I shall pass through Macedonia . . . when I pass through Macedonia, he had planned to go to Macedonia first, and, having passed through that country, visiting the churches, to then go to Corinth. For the situation of Macedonia (Acts 16:9).
For I do pass through Macedonia . . . Paul’s plan was to pass through Macedonia. That was his intention, but the plan he changed, but it was still his intention to go there.

1 Cor.16:6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. (KJV)

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go . . . that you may accompany me, or help me, and furnish me the means of going on my journey. It was normal for the apostles to be attended by some members of the churches and friends in their travels (Acts 10:23). On my journey . . . most likely to Judea. This was evidently his intention. But wherever he should go, it would be gratifying to him to have their help and companionship. Whithersoever I go, means that Paul does not really know where he is going. It seems that he did not have a plan or a chartered course from the Lord telling him everywhere he was to go. Paul seems to just have left everything in the Hands of the Lord.

Do you know what you will be doing 5 years from now? Planning ahead is good in some respects . . . but we must also consider what the Lord’s plans for us are. I truly believe God has a roadmap of our entire life. He leads His children day by day. We should never be so proud as to think that we know better than God. It will never work! It will fail! We must trust God!
James 4:13-16 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16  But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. (KJV)
When I read about Paul's not knowing what was ahead for him, it gives me great comfort. I have some rare health problems, and I have simply turned them over to the Lord because I know there is nothing I can do to correct them. May His will be done. Paul turned his life over to the Lord! He trusted Him, completely. Can you say this?

1 Cor.16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. (KJV)

For I will not see you now by the way . . . on the way to Macedonia. Something had happened to change Paul’s mind, and to persuaded him to go to Macedonia by another way.
But I trust to tarry a while with you . . . Paul was hoping he could stop and visit on his return from Macedonia (verse 5). He hoped to remain with them a little while, possibly spend the winter with them.
If the Lord permit . . . Paul did not use language of certainty and confidence. I am sure that strongly felt his dependence on God, and considered everything as totally under his direction. See: (1 Cor.4:19).

1 Cor.16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. (KJV)

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost . . . this Passage proves that this letter was written from Ephesus. It is usually by such indications as this that we are able to determine the place where the Letters were written (Acts 18:19). Until Pentecost . . . this was a Jewish festival occurring fifty days after the Jewish Passover; and hence called the Pentecost (Acts 2:1). Since there were Jews at Corinth, and no doubt in the church, they would know of what Paul referred to; and since Paul was a Jew (Rom.11:1; Phil.3:5), he naturally used their method of estimating time, where it would be understood. There was no doubt that the great festivals of the Jews were well known among most of the cities of Greece, for there were Jews in them all the cities. It is likely also, that Christians there considered this day with deep interest, since it was the day on which the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and on the people of Jerusalem (Acts 2).

1 Cor.16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. (KJV)

For a great door . . . (Rev.3:8) there is abundant opportunity for usefulness. The word door is used evidently to mean an occasion or opportunity for doing anything. It is the means by which we have entrance or access, and means ability in doing anything when there is no obstruction (Acts 14:27; 2 Cor.2:12; Col.4:3).
And effectual . . . effective, adapted to success, presenting opportunity for great effects. There was abundant opportunity to preach the Gospel; there was attention to what is spoken, and great interest in it; there was great encouragement to work. It is possible that this was one of the reasons why Paul had changed his mind about passing through Corinth on his way to Macedonia. It would require time to visit Corinth, for he would wish to remain there for a while; and an unexpected opportunity having arisen for doing good, he judged it best to remain at Ephesus as long as needed, and then to go to Macedonia.
And there are many adversaries . . . many opposers, many who resisted the Gospel. These were no doubt in great part Jews, who agitated opposition to him, and too in part, the friends of Demetrius (Acts 19). Paul had great success in Ephesus, and his labors were attended with a great revival of religion there, as is clear from that chapter.
So we see Paul, gloriously happy, rejoicing in the will of God. If the Lord wants him to go to Corinth, he will go.

Timothy and Apollos Commended (1 Cor.16:10-12)
Personalities (1 Cor.16:10-24)

1 Cor.16:10 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. (KJV)

Now if Timotheus come . . . Paul had sent Timothy to Corinth (1 Cor.4:17-18), but as he had many churches to visit, it was not certain that he would get to Corinth.
See that he may be with you without fear . . . let him be received kindly and affectionately. Timothy was then a young man (Acts 16:1-3; 1 Tim.4:12). There might be some danger that he might feel himself embarrassed among the rich and the great ones. Paul, for that reason, asks the Corinthian church to encourage him, to receive him kindly, and not embarrass him. It is also possible that there may be some reference to the false teachers whom Timothy might be called on to oppose. They were powerful, and they might try to intimidate him. Paul, therefore, asks the church to sustain Timothy in his efforts to defend the truth.
For he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do . . . Timothy is engaged in the service of the Lord, as was Paul; and he is worthy of your confidence, and worthy to be sustained by you (Acts 19:22; Phil.2:19-22).

1 Cor.16:11 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. (KJV)

Let no man therefore despise him . . . either because he is a very young man (1 Tim.4:12), or any other account.
But conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me . . . when Timothy comes, show him the respect you use to show me, treat him in this way.
For I look for him with the brethren . . . for I have need of his help there, in the bringing of the Gospel; and therefore I, with the brethren here, expect him to be busy in bringing the Gospel.

1 Cor.16:12 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. (KJV)

As touching our brother Apollos . . . as may be seen (Acts 18:27), Apollos was known to them, and had been a preacher among them, and was grateful to many of them. He was an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures, instructed in the way of the Lord, and fervent in the spirit (Acts 18:24-28).
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 . . . Apollos was one of those from whom some of this church selected themselves (1 Cor.1:12; 3:4; 4:6). For this reason, maybe Paul wanted him to go and visit this church, because some think he had left, because of those arguments and seems that he afterwards did return again to them, when Paul, by his Letter, had quieted those divisions.

1 Cor.16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (KJV)

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong . . . watching usually means the opposite of sleep, whereas sin often means sleep in the Bible (Rom.13:11-12; 1 Cor.15:34; Eph.5:14; 1 Thes.5:6; 2 Tim.2:26). Paul is warning them (and us), to be diligent in spiritual watching, meaning to abstain from sin, to watch whatever may be to us a temptation to sin against God. We must be concerned about the perfecting of holiness, and the obtaining everlasting life and immortality. Stand fast in the faith . . . be firm in the profession of the truth, and hold close the doctrine of faith. Quit you like men, be strong . . . you are as soldiers fighting against the world, the flesh, and the devil! Do not behave like children (1 Cor.14:20), who with the least opposition will run scared, but like men, with a spiritual courage and strength, because we have such a good Shepherd, and such a good cause.

Commands to God’s TRUE children: 
WATCH . . . ALWAYS BE ON GUARD! 
#1. Watch for Christ's coming (Mat.24:42)
#2. Watch that you do NOT enter into temptation (Mat.26:41)
#3. Watch that you may be worthy to escape all these things, meaning the Great Tribulation  (Lk.21:36; 1 Thes.4:13-18)
#4. Watch for grievous wolves (Acts 20:29)
#5. Watch in prayer (Col.4:3; 1 Pet.4:7)
#6. Watch in soberness (1 Thes.5:6)
#7. Watch in all things (2 Tim.4:5)

Stand fast in the faith (Gal.5:1;Phil.1:27; 4:1; 1 Thes.3:8; 2 Thes.2:15). Do not be disorderly or retreat. Let nothing turn you away from Christ, for then Satan can defeat you.

Behave like men (1 Cor.14:20; Eph.4:14). Do not shy away in the fight. Maintain your ground at all costs. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee (Jam.4:7). Always remember, He will never leave you never forsake you (Heb.13:5). Press onward to eternal life!  

Be strong (Lk.1:80; 2:40; Eph.3:16). Keep yourself spiritually fit with daily Bible reading and prayer. Without the Word of God (our spiritual food), we are doomed to defeat!

Do all things in love (1 Cor.13:4).

Urgent Warning to Watchfulness in Faith and Love (1 Cor.16:13-18)

A Christian is always in danger, therefore we should always be on watch. We should be secure in the faith of the Gospel, and never run away or give it up. Just by faith alone, will we be able to hold our ground in the hour of temptation (Rev.1:10). Christians should be careful that love not only reigns in their hearts, but adorns their lives. There is a big difference between Christians who stand firm in their faith, and those ‘professing’ Christ. The moment these ‘professors’ are faced with tribulation or persecution, they turn and run like a scared rabbit.
Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (KJV)
Yet hath he not root in himself . . . the Word is NOT rooted in him, nor has he the truth of grace in him.
But dureth for a while . . . a hearer of the Word, a professor of religion (I’m a Christian), and showing some outward respect to the Word and to the preachers of it.
For when tribulation or persecution ariseth, because of the word . . . stony places is rocky ground with very little soil and no depth. These at first receive the Word very warmly and emotionally, but the minute persecution or tribulation comes, they back off from Jesus. Persecution so often comes to TRUE Christians, and must be expected by those who embrace the Gospel, profess the Name of Christ, and are willing to trust and obey Him, and live godly in Him. Tribulation may mean some lesser and lighter troubles for the sake of Christ, and His Gospel, such as the reviling and reproach of men. Luke calls this a time "of temptation", or trial, as it is either way, both by private troubles, and more public persecutions (Lk.8:13). These try men's beliefs, professions and values, and prove whether the truth of God’s grace is in them or not . . . and where it is not in any person,
By and by he is offended . . . by Christ Jesus (Mat.11:6; 13:57;26:31; Mk.6:3; Lk.7:23); by His cross (Mk.14:27; Jn.11:25; Acts 4:2), by His demands of obedience (Mat.10:32-40; 22:36-40; Jn.14:15; 15:14). If a person is offended by Jesus and His cross, shrinking back from it, refusing to take it up, refusing to follow Christ; and abandons his religion, and the profession of it; this person apostatizes, falls away, and they shall NOT see the Kingdom of God! http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_apostate_world.htm

1 Cor.16:14 Let all your things be done with charity. (KJV)

Let all your things be done with charity . . . as hath been before stated (1 Cor.15:58), and is a term including both love to God, and to our neighbor. The failure of this in the divisions and contentions of the Corinthians, and their satisfying their own judgments and absurdities, without regard to the consciences of others, and having no regard to the benefit of others, is what Paul, once before in this Letter, had blamed the members of this church. He now again mentions to them that they should get into this habit of doing ALL things with love, (as should we).

1 Cor.16:15 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,) (KJV)

I beseech you, brethren . . . the sense is plain. I beseech you, in this verse, is clearly to be taken in connection with verse 16. The plan is, to urge them to pay proper respect to Stephanas, and to all who had the same rank and character. 
Ye know the house of Stephanas . . . (1 Cor.1:16). Paul there says, that he had baptized his family, so that the Corinthians were acquainted with the family. Possibly a large part, or all of the family of Stephanas had been converted to the Christian faith.
That it is the first fruits of Achaia . . . they were the first converted to Christianity in Achaia (Rom.16:5).
That they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints . . . they have devoted themselves to the service of Christ, by aiding in the ministry; by showing hospitality, by providing for their wants and by attending and helping the apostles in their journeys.

1 Cor.16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. (KJV)

That ye submit yourselves unto such . . . meaning to show them proper honor and respect; treating them with great respect and honor for what they have done.
And to every one that helpeth with us . . . every one that helps us in the ministry, or provides for our wants. It is possible that Stephanas lived among them at this time (1 Cor.1:16), although he had been converted in Achaia; and it is probable that, as Corinth was a central place and a main road to travel, others might come among them who were the personal friends of Paul, and who had helped him in the ministry. Towards all these, he wanted their kind, tender and respectful regards.

1 Cor.16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. (KJV)

Stephanas . . . the same person evidently mentioned in the previous verses. He was probably one of the oldest and most respected members of the church, and had been selected to carry the letter of the Corinthians to Paul, and to consult with him respecting the affairs of the church there.
Fortunatus and Achaicus . . . these persons are not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament. It seems that Fortunatus survived Paul, and maybe he was later the messenger of the church at Corinth to that at Rome, and took back to the Corinthians the Letter which Clement of Rome sent to them. 
For that which was lacking on your part they have supplied . . . that which was lacking properly means a want or lack of any kind, whether of support, sustenance, aid, consolation, information, or counsel. What this was which the Corinthians had neglected or failed to furnish Paul, and which had been supplied by the presence of these persons, can be only a matter of guesswork. Different commentators have thought different things: a neglect to provide for his wants, a failing to inform him about their affairs in the letter which they had sent him; and Paul may mean to say, that he had enjoyed with them that friendly association and Christian relationship which he had desired with them, but which was lacking. We do not know the answer. Paul does not seem here inclined to blame them, for whatever it was.

1 Cor.16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. (KJV)

For they have refreshed my spirit . . . they . . . Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, by their presence and lifestyle. They have given me information regarding the state of things in the church; and their friendship has been for me of the most gratifying and cheerful kind.
And yours . . . they have refreshed your spirits as well, by removing those suspicions and fears that were on both sides. By their supplying your absence, they have helped us both. Paul had gained information of those absent, and the Corinthians had gained in the counsel given to them by the apostle Paul in his Letter.  
Therefore acknowledge ye them that are such . . . receive them warmly; recognize them as brethren; treasure and treat kindly all that show such a spirit (verses 15,16; 1 Thes.5:12-13). Paul urges the Corinthians, to receive them kindly on their return, and respect and listen to the advice and message which they might bring from Paul.    
It seems that the Corinthian church had sent Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus to Paul at this time (as most think) at Ephesus, to inform him of the state of their churches. These men made a report to Paul of the Corinthians more fully than they had done in their letters. Paul said that they had refreshed his spirit, not with bringing him any money, for the apostle hath told us (1 Cor.9:15-17), that he gloried in preaching the Gospel to them freely, without being any charge to them, but by their visit, and the meeting that he had had with them about the state of that church, Paul tells them that their joy was his, and that refreshed him. He recommended that these men, and others as they were, to be reverenced and respected by this church.

1 Cor.16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (KJV)

The churches of Asia salute you . . . Asia in the New Testament often means Asia Minor in general (Acts 2:9-11), but it was sometimes used in a more limited sense, to mean the region around Ephesus, which was the center and capital (Acts 16:6). It seems that Paul means the Lesser Asia, where Ephesus was; from where it is more likely that this Letter was written, rather than from Philippi, according to some. Salute you . . . greet you, send respectful and affectionate Christian regards (Rom.16:3).
Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord . . . (Acts 18:18,26; Rom.16:3,19), much in the Lord . . . with an affectionate Christian welcome; praying for the blessing and favor of the Lord.
With the church that is in their house . . . (Rom.16:3-5), Paul further adds the greetings of Aquila and Priscilla, as persons that were at that time with him; now, that they lived at Ephesus, or at least went there with Paul, and tarried there, as seems from Acts 18:19. Their saluting the church of Corinth in the Lord, means their wishing them all spiritual blessings in and from Christ. What is meant by the church in their house, which joined with Paul in this salutation, is not so plain. It seems that many of the primitive churches were in the homes of Christians (Rom.16:5; Col.4:15; Phm.1:2). Some say it means no more than that the whole family had received the Christian faith; others say that many other Christians worshipped with them; others say that the church was accustomed to meet in some room in their house.

Christian Salutations (1 Cor.16:19-24)

1 Cor.16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. (KJV)

All the brethren greet you . . .  all the Christians with whom Paul was connected in Ephesus, felt a deep interest in the church at Corinth, and sent to them Christian salutations.
With an holy kiss . . . (Rom.16:16; 2 Cor.13:12; 1 Thes.5:26), this means to salute one another with a kiss when we meet; for this was in use in those times and countries did this, in token of love and friendship. It is called the kiss of charity (1 Pet.5:14). Paul requires that in these greetings they should have pure and holy thoughts. This seems to be what is meant by the holy kiss.

1 Cor.16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. (KJV)

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand . . . it is clear that Paul was accustomed to employ a secretary, or scribe in writing his letters (Rom.16:22), although he signed his own name, and expressed his Christian salutation in every letter (1 Cor.16:21; 2 Thes.3:17; Col.4:18). Paul’s signing the Letter was a proof that it was his own, and was a proof that there was no fraud or imposition. Why he employed an scribe is not known for certain, but it seems Paul did have a health problem , and this may have been the reason. Consider:
 
Galatians 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. (KJV) . . . How large a letter does not mean a long letter. This letter to the Galatians is only six chapters, while his letter to the Romans (which deals with practically the same subject) is sixteen chapters. So, this Letter to the Galatians could not be called a long letter. What Paul is saying is that he has written with large letters, which is characteristic with people with poor vision. This I think, bears out the theory that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” could well have been eye trouble (2 Cor. 12:7). As you recall, he had said to them earlier, “… I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me” (Gal. 4:15). Personally, I feel sure that Paul had a serious eye problem. When Paul wrote his Epistle to the Romans, he dictated it to a secretary. And at the conclusion of the letter, Paul told the secretary, “Now if you want to put in your greetings, go ahead and do it.” So in Romans 16:22 we have the secretary’s salutation: “I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.”
BUT, when Paul wrote to the Galatians, he was angry. He had heard that they were mixing the Gospel with law, and when that is done, the Gospel of the grace of God is completely destroyed. He couldn’t wait for a secretary to come, he sat down and wrote to them himself. Because he didn’t see well, Paul wrote with large letters.

1 Cor.16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. (KJV)

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ . . . this is a most solemn and moving closing of the whole Letter. It was intended to direct them to the great and crucial matter of religion, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was no doubt intended, to turn their minds away from the subjects which had troubled them, the disputes and dissensions which had broken the church into groups, to the great question . . . did they truly love the Saviour? It is implied that this was indeed a real danger, because of their arguments and troubles about minor matters, of sadly forgetting about and neglecting the love of the Lord Jesus, or of substituting an attachment to a party in the place of love to the Saviour, who alone could connect them with eternal life.
Let him be Anathema . . . the meaning of the word anathema (1 Cor.12:3), properly means accursed, or condemned to destruction . . . and the very clear idea here is: that anyone who did not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and love Him above all else (Mat.10:37-38), would be, and should be, condemned to eternal destruction, or cursed by God. It expresses what should be done; it expresses a truth in respect to God's dealings with sin, it was not the desire of the apostle Paul. My dear friend . . . no matter what any man's gifts might be; no matter what his wealth might be, or his standing, or his talent; no matter if he were viewed as a ruler in the church, or at the head of a party . . . IF anyone does NOT have true love for the Lord Jesus Christ, he could not, he would not be saved. This Truth is in accordance with the declaration of the Scripture everywhere. See: (Ps.2:12; Pro.8:36; Jn3:3-8,18,36; 14:6; Mk.16:16; Acts 4:12; Heb.2:3; 10:26-29; 12:25; 1 Jn.5:10-12; Rev.20:15).  
Let him be Anathema . . . this is not said a wish or insult, but a certain PREDICTION of what would certainly come upon all them (and us) if they did not repent, but continued to denounce, to hate, to utterly detest the Lord Jesus. It greatly saddens me because there are millions in the world today because they continue to hate, to utterly detest the Lord Jesus, the Redeemer of the world. This is one of the most solemn, prophetic warnings in the New Testament! BEWARE!!!

1 Cor.16:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (KJV)

 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you . . . (Rom.16:20).

1 Cor.16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. (KJV)

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen . . . in Christ Jesus, through Christ Jesus, or in connection with your love for Him as Christians. This is Paul’s expression of tender regard to them as Christian brethren; of his love for the church; and his earnest desire for their welfare. It is in harmony with the usual way that he closes his Letters. It is especially tender, affectionate, and beautiful here, when we consider the manner in which he had been treated by many of the Corinthians; and as following that solemn declaration in verse 22. Paul loved them intensely, and was ever ready to express his affection for them all, and his most earnest desire for their salvation.

Commands to God’s TRUE children: 
WATCH . . . ALWAYS BE ON GUARD! 
#1. Watch for Christ's coming (Mat.24:42)
#2. Watch that you do NOT enter into temptation (Mat.26:41)
#3. WATCH that you may be worthy to escape all these things, meaning the Great Tribulation  (Lk.21:36; 1 Thes.4:13-18)
#4. Watch for grievous wolves (Acts 20:29)
#5. Watch in prayer (Col.4:3; 1 Pet.4:7)
#6. Watch in soberness (1 Thes.5:6)
#7. Watch in all things (2 Tim.4:5)

Stand fast in the faith (Gal.5:1;Phil.1:27; 4:1; 1 Thes.3:8; 2 Thes.2:15). Do not be disorderly or retreat. Let nothing turn you away from Christ, for then Satan can defeat you.

Behave like men (1 Cor.14:20; Eph.4:14). Do not shy away in the fight. Maintain your ground at all costs. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee (Jam.4:7). Always remember, He will never leave you never forsake you (Heb.13:5). Press onward to eternal life! 

Be strong (Lk.1:80; 2:40; Eph.3:16). Keep yourself spiritually fit with daily Bible reading and prayer. Without the Word of God (our spiritual food), we are doomed to defeat!

Do all things in love (1 Cor.13:4).

The Lord’s Day, Sunday

If we examine the New Testament Passages, we will find four important facts:
*****#1. Any time Christ appeared in His resurrected form and the day is mentioned, it is always the first day of the week (Mat.28:1,9,10; Mk.16:9; Lk.24:1,13,15; Jn.20:19,26).
*****#2. The only time the Sabbath is mentioned from Acts, all through the Book of Revelation, it is for evangelistic purposes to the Jews and the setting is usually in a synagogue (Acts chapters 13–18). Paul wrote: 1 Cor.9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; (KJV) . . . The Sabbath was one of the JEWISH Laws. Ex. 20:10-11 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (KJV)
Paul was a Christian, he did NOT go to the synagogue to fellowship with and edify the saints, he went to convict and save the lost (Jews and Gentiles).
*****#3. Paul stated to the Jews: Acts 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. (KJV) . . . From now on I will go to the Gentiles! The Sabbath is never again mentioned.
*****#4. Instead of suggesting loyalty to the Sabbath day, the remainder of the New Testament implies the opposite (including the one exception to fact 3 above). Col. 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: (KJV)  

There is NO obligation for the believer in Christ to keep the Jewish Sabbath. Those who teach Sunday as the “Christian Sabbath” are teaching FALSELY! It is NOT Scriptural. Read it again: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:  . . . Col. 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. (KJV)
My friend, the Jewish Sabbath was abolished at the cross! Col.2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (KJV)

This idea is repeated more than once in the New Testament. Romans 14:5-6 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6  He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. (KJV)   
Gal. 4:9-10 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10  Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. (KJV)   

Some claim that an order by Constantine in A.D. 321 “changed” the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. On what day did the early church meet for worship? Scripture NEVER mentions any Sabbath (Saturday) gatherings by believers for fellowship or worship. BUT, there are clear Passages that mention the first day of the week, Sunday.
Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (KJV)  
1 Cor.16:2 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. (KJV)  

2 Cor. 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; (KJV) . . . Since Paul calls the offering, service, this collection must have been linked with the Sunday worship service of the Christian assembly. Historically, Sunday not Saturday, was the normal meeting day for the early Christians to meet in the church, with this practice dating back to the first century.

The Sabbath Law was given to Israel, the Jews (Ex.20:10-11; Deut.5:14-14), NOT the church. The Jewish Sabbath is still Saturday, not Sunday, and has never been changed. The Sabbath is part of the Old Testament Law, and Christians are free from the bondage of the Law (Jn.1:17; Rom.5:14; 10:4; Eph.2:15;  Col.2:14-23; Heb.9:13-18; 10:1-10).
Mat. 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (KJV) . . . The Lord Jesus fulfilled the Law! We are now under grace.
Rom. 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (KJV) . . . Sabbath keeping is not required by Christians.

Sunday, the first day of the week, is the Lord's Day (Rev.1:10), celebrates the New Covenant, with Christ as our resurrected Head. No TRUE Christin is obligated to follow the Mosaic Law of the Sabbath. We no longer need to rest on the Sabbath, because we are now free to follow the risen Christ . . . serving Him! My dear friend, we as God’s TRUE children, are to worship Him EVERY day, not just on Saturday or Sunday.
New Covenant: (Deut.29:14; Jer. 31:31; Mat.26:28; Mk.14:24; Lk.22:20; Rom.6:14; 11:27; 1 Cor.11:25; 2 Cor.3:5; Heb.7:22; 8:8,19; 9:15; 10:16; 12:24)

1 Corinthians

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