IV. Conclusion (1 Corinthians 16:5-24)
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IV. Conclusion (16:5-24)
16:5-9 Paul intends to travel through Macedonia and then visit Corinth, perhaps—if the Lord allows—spending the winter with them since travel by sea would be too hazardous (16:5-7). Meanwhile, he would remain in Ephesus until Pentecost (16:8) because he had an opportunity for ministry. Notice how Paul describes it: A wide door for effective ministry (16:9). Knowing that God had provided a significant opening for the gospel, Paul was willing to trust him and be faithful no matter the opposition he faced from unbelievers.
16:10-12 Paul was sending Timothy to them and therefore urges the church to receive him well. He wanted the Corinthians to know that Timothy shared Paul’s love and concerns and that he expected them to treat him with respect and peace (16:10-11). Apollos would also visit them when he had the opportunity (16:12; see Acts 18:24-28).
16:13-14 Paul has addressed many problems in the letter. Since the church was beset with self-centeredness, arrogance, and division, he wants to move them to a love-centered mentality (see 13:1-13). He thus urges them to stand firm in the faith, be courageous, and be strong—but to wrap all of this in love.
16:15-18 Describing the household of Stephanas as the firstfruits of Achaia (the Roman province in which Corinth was located) means that they were among the first Christian converts in Corinth (16:15). Stephanas and others had personally ministered to Paul on the Corinthians’ behalf (16:17-18), and Paul praises them for their devoted service to the saints and urges his audience to submit to such people (16:15-16). Just as “bad company corrupts good morals” (15:33), hanging out with godly people will encourage you to follow their example of faith, love, and service.
16:19-21 Paul sends greetings from the churches of Asia, as well from Aquila and Priscilla whom Paul had first met in Corinth and whom the Corinthians knew well (16:19; see Acts 18:1–19:1). The apostle then adds a greeting in [his] own hand (16:21). Paul probably dictated the letter to a secretary (see Rom 16:22) and then added a personal greeting, as was his custom (see 2 Thess 3:17).
16:22-24 If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him (16:22). With this statement, Paul announces divine chastisement on believers who do not love the Lord, which is demonstrated by promoting dissension and division in the church. Lack of affection for God’s people is proof of a lack of affection for God, which results in being outside of his divine covering (see 1 John 4:11, 20-21). Paul then concludes with a prayer for the Lord to come, a benediction of grace, and a personal expression of his love for this troubled church (16:23-24).