One Corinthians Sixteen

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

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

1 Corinthians 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.

first day of the week. At first the early Jewish Christians continued to meet with the other Jews in the synagogues on the seventh day of the week. They later supplemented this by a separate meeting by themselves on the first day of the week. It probably took place after sundown on Saturday, when the sabbath was past but before the day's work was scheduled to begin on Sunday. This was also the day of the Lord's resurrection, which they wished to commemorate regularly, while still commemorating the completion of God's creation by working just six days. Eventually, as they were put out of the synagogues, they continued just with their own meetings on the first day of the week. Note also Acts 20:7.

lay by him in store. Although this particular collection was for what we today would call a “designated offering,” it seems likely that this principle of regular and systematic giving for the over-all work of the Lord was carried out in similar fashion. The words “in store” (Greek thesaurizo, meaning “storehouse” or “treasury”) would indicate that the church maintained a depository where its members could deposit their offerings each Lord's Day. The phrase “by him” might indicate that a record was kept of each contribution, so that each believer would have his or her own mini-treasure from which to draw and offer for various needs as they arose. This particular method, while not binding on all Christians or their churches, seems quite realistic and was apparently that recommended by Paul. Perhaps, alternatively, each such depository could be maintained at home by each member, individually, depending on local circumstances.

prospered him. Although tithing is not set here (or anywhere else in the New Testament) as the standard for Christian giving, the principle of proportionate giving is clearly commanded by Paul. Those who have been most “prospered” by the Lord should contribute the most. A better guide than ten percent given might well be the amount retained for personal and family use. Recall that Jesus gave a special commendation to the poor widow who gave “all her living” (Mark 12:44), and that Paul said, “Having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Timothy 6:8). Also note that, if a person receives wages only once a month, say, then the Lord has “prospered” him, in effect, only in one week out of the month. It would probably be better for him to lay his offering by in store only in that week, while he still has the money, rather than try to give it out in weekly installments throughout the month.

when I come. In this particular case, at least, since Paul did not want to take up a collection himself when he arrived at Corinth, it would have been preferable for the weekly offerings to have been laid up in the church depository than in the various homes.

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

1 Corinthians 16:4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

1 Corinthians 16:5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

1 Corinthians 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.

1 Corinthians 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.

1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

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

a great door. We can be sure that if a church or para-church ministry is really doing the Lord's work effectively, the devil (i.e., the great “Adversary,” Satan) will raise up many local adversaries to it. Nevertheless, the Lord has promised to keep the door open, if we keep His Word, honor His Name, and have little strength of our own on which to rely (Revelation 3:8)

1 Corinthians 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.

1 Corinthians 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.

1 Corinthians 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.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.

1 Corinthians 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,)

addicted themselves. One can become “addicted to” many harmful things, easily enough—drugs, liquor, lust, etc. How much better to become “addicted” to serving the Lord and His people.

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

1 Corinthians 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.

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

1 Corinthians 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.

in their house. Whether or not the early Christians built actual church buildings in which to meet, we do not know. There is no mention of such in the New Testament. Probably in most cases, they met in individual homes, as many churches do today, especially in countries where organized Christian worship is forbidden. Paul's fellow tent-makers, Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-3) had such a church in their house in Ephesus, from which Paul wrote this epistle. Possibly it was here that these two friends had instructed the eloquent Apollos in the things of the Lord (Acts 18:24-26).

1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

1 Corinthians 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

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

Anathema Maranatha. This unique expression seems to mean “Accursed—the Lord is coming!” This is a final reminder from Paul that there are just two classes of people—those who love the Lord Jesus (because He first loved them) and those who do not. The latter are destined for destruction (note 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9), and this message is especially urgent in view of the imminent coming of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.