The Collection for God s People. Personal Requests. 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Transcription

1 1 The Collection for God s People Personal Requests 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

2 2 The Collection for God s People Personal Requests Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-24, 1. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 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. 3. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. 4. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. 5. Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. 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. 7. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. 8. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. 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. 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. 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.

3 3 13. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14. Let all your things be done with charity. 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,) 16. That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 17. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. 19. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20. All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. 21. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. 22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. 23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. Introduction: I. Paul, after just concluding a deep theological discussion of the resurrection, now turn abruptly to practical considerations regarding: A. contributions for the poor saints in Jerusalem. (vs. 1-4) B. Paul s anticipated visit to Corinth. (vs. 5-9) C. Timothy and Apollos. (vs ) D. a five point summary of the Corinthian letter (vs )

4 4 E. sending greetings (vs ) F. Paul s personal salutation and signature. (vs ) (Coffman) Note: Headings are based on NIV readings. Commentary: The Collection for God s People 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. I. The subject now turns to instructions regarding the collection for God s people, the saints, poor Christians in Jerusalem. A. Paul had invested much effort in this endeavor among the Gentile churches. B. Coffman stated this was done: 1. because it was recommended by the Jerusalem council. Galatians 2:10, Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 2. for humanitarian reasons. 3. to reduce Jewish-Gentile prejudice among believers. II. Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. A. These Galatian congregations included those in Pisidia, Antioch, Iconium, Derbe and Lystra.

5 5 1. Acts 13:14, But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 2. Acts 14:13, Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 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. I. On the first day of every week, A. This day (Sunday) was chosen because it was the day on which Christians regularly met to worship God and commemorate the resurrection of Christ. B. This verse does not imply that disciples could not give to the Lord s work on other days of the week. II. Each one of you should set aside, lay by him in store, a sum of money in keeping with his income, as he may prosper, saving it up, A. The donations for the poor saints were to be given weekly so the funds would be readily available for disbursement when the time came. B. This would avoid by pre-planning the disorder and confusion that would have been caused by the unexpected sudden taking of a large contribution of major importance. C. All were to give willingly according to his ability, income, resources. This was not a tax, an assessment.

6 6 III. The purpose of this was to avoid the necessity of Paul s taking collections when he arrived in Corinth. 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. I. When Paul arrived in Corinth, II. he (Paul) would give letters of commendation to the men designated as couriers, approved by the Corinthians, A. Paul did not propose to take charge of the contributions upon his arrival at Corinth. B. Paul was extremely careful to assure that no one could accuse him of misappropriating church funds. C. The Corinthians were to appoint honorable men from among the Corinthian memberships to whom their funds would be entrusted for delivery to Jerusalem. III. These would be sent with the Corinthian's bounty con-, tributions to Jerusalem. A. Some of those traveling with Paul are listed in Acts 20:4, And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 1 Corinthians 16:4, And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. I. If it were deemed advisable for Paul to also go to Jerusalem,

7 7 II. the men appointed by the Corinthian brethren would accompany Paul on the journey to Jerusalem. III. This was, in fact, how things developed. A. Paul was in the group that took the funds to Jerusalem. Personal Requests Paul s Anticipated Visit to Corinth 1 Corinthians 16:5, Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. I. Paul planned to visit, arrive in Corinth II. after having passed through, gone through Macedonia. A. Paul was definitely going through Macedonia enroute to Corinth. B. There may have been a change in Paul s planned itinerary, perhaps due to the problems that existed in Corinth Corinthians 1:15-17, And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

8 8 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. I. Paul thought he might stay awhile at Corinth, even spend the winter there. A. This plan came to fruition. 1. Acts 20:23, Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. II. The Corinthians could then help, set Paul forward on his journey. A. Acts 15:3, And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. B. Acts 17:15, And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. C. Romans 15:24, Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. III. wherever he might go. A. whether to Jerusalem or elsewhere. 1 Corinthians 16:7-9, For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I

9 9 will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. I. Paul did not want to visit Corinth presently and make only a passing visit. II. Paul planned to visit Corinth later when he could stay longer. A. This was certainly a consideration in Paul s delaying his trip to Corinth. B. Undoubtedly, another reason (unspoken) for the delay was the many problems within the Corinthian church. 1. They needed time to resolve these problems. 2. Otherwise, Paul s arrival would have necessitated discipline upon the wayward members. III. Paul s plans were always contingent on, If the Lord permits. A. This should always be our understanding in all our planning. IV. Paul intended to stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, A. Pentecost, one of the three major Jewish feasts, came fifty days after Passover and fell in our May-June time frame. V. because a great door for effective work had opened for him. A. Another reason for Paul s delayed visit to Corinth was the fact that he was engaged in a very productive work at Ephesus.

10 10 B. It would not have been prudent for Paul to have forsaken this promising work in Ephesus. VI. However, there were many who opposed Paul, many adversaries. A. The devil always opposes the work of the Lord. B. Paul continually faced opposition, but he was never deterred. 1. Acts 20:19, Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 2. Acts 19:23, And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. Regarding Timothy and Apollos 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. I. If Timothy comes to Corinth, II. see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you because... A. Was it Paul s concern that the Corinthians would not welcome Timothy because of their problems, divisions, contentions? III. he is doing, carrying on the work of the Lord, A. This is the highest vocation open to mortal man.

11 11 IV. just as I (Paul) 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. I. No one, therefore, should despise, refuse to accept him. A. Despise is a very strong word. B. There evidently was a danger that the Corinthians would not accept Timothy. C. What kind of Christian fellowship, hospitality is that? II. Send him on his journey, way in peace A. Encourage him (Timothy) in his travels. B. Send him forth in peace, harmony, praying for him God s speed in his journey. III. so that he may return to me... to Ephesus. IV. I am expecting him along with the brothers. A. Brothers who were traveling with Timothy or the brethren at Ephesus were meant by the word brothers in this verse. 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. I. About our brother Apollos: II. I (Paul) strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers.

12 12 A. Paul and Apollos were friends, co-workers in the kingdom. B. This verse clearly teaches there was no rivalry between them. C. Paul and Apollos were not responsible for the factions at Corinth bearing their names. III. Apollos was quite unwilling, it was not his will, to go now, A. Perhaps Paul thought Apollos could help bring about unity at Corinth and dissolve the factious spirit among the membership. B. Apollos was free to do or not do Paul s bidding in matters of judgment. C. Paul was not in charge. IV. but he will go when he has the opportunity, when the time is right. Five Point Summary of the Corinthian Letter 1 Corinthians 16:13, 14, Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. I. Be on your guard, watch, A. to avoid digression. B. for all the wiles of the devil. II. Stand firm, fast, in the faith.

13 13 A. 2 Timothy 4:7, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: B. From the faith, Christians are not to depart even one iota. III. Quit, behave yourselves as men of courage. A. Coffman said this means, stop acting like spiritual infants, quarreling, boasting and indulging yourselves without discipline. B. Paul well knew it took courage to live for Christ. IV. Be strong (in the Lord). A. Be unwavering in faithfully doing, in all respects, the will of Christ our Lord. V. Do everything in love, let all that you do be done in love. A. Love is the greatest thing we have learned from chapter 13. B. This includes love for God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, saints and sinners, our enemies, our family, neighbors, the needy, those of all races, nationalities, religions, and yes, love for ourselves as well. Sending Greetings 1 Corinthians 16:15, 16, 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,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

14 14 I. I beseech you, beg you, brethren, II. You are aware that the household of Stephanas were the firstfruits, first converts in Achaia. A. Evidently, Stephanas was converted at Athens during Paul s first visit to Achaia. B. The household, family of Stephanas also became Christians. C. Acts 17:34, Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. 1. Stephanas may have been, Coffman wrote, among the certain men mentioned in this verse. III. You are also aware that they have devoted themselves to the ministry, service of, unto the saints. IV. Because of these things, Paul begged the Corinthians to show them honor and respect. V. I (Paul) urge you to submit to; respect: A. such as these. B. everyone who helps, joins in the work, and labors at it. VI. There must have been some reason for the special injunction regarding Stephanas. A. While we may wonder and conjecture, we do not know with certainty what led to these particular instructions from Paul.

15 15 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. I. I (Paul) rejoiced, was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, A. Fortunatus is nowhere else mentioned in the New Testament. II. because they have supplied what was lacking from you Corinthians. A. Dummelow via Coffman paraphrased this verse to read, Their visit made up for your absence. 1 Corinthians 16:18, For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. I. For they refreshed my (Paul s) spirit II.... and yours also. III. Such men deserve recognition, acknowledgement. A. All those of positive good will who uplift and encourage others are to be respected. B. Negative murmurers and complainers are due no such respect. 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. I. The churches in the province of Asia

16 16 II. send you (Corinthians) greetings, salute you, III. Aquila and Priscilla (Prisca) greet, salute you warmly in the Lord, IV. and so does the church that meets at their house. A. Barclay via Coffman stated, It is, in fact, not until the third century that we hear about a church building at all. 1 Corinthians 16:20, All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. I. All the brothers here in Ephesus send you greetings, II. Salute, greet one another with a holy kiss. A. This was the customary greeting among those sharing an agape love, a close fellowship. B. We obey the principle in view here by sincere handshakes and cordial greetings. C. Scriptures: 1. 2 Corinthians 13:12, Greet one another with an holy kiss. 2. Romans 16:16, Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you Peter 5:14, Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

17 17 Paul s Personal Salutation and Signature 1 Corinthians 16:21, 22, The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. I. I (Paul) write this greeting, salutation in, with my own hand. A. Paul s letters were usually written by a secretary to his dictation. B. Paul s signature verified the fact that the letter came from him. C. Scriptures: 1. 1 Corinthians 1:1, Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2. Romans 16:22, I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord Thessalonians 3:17, The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. II. If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him, let him be anathema maranatha. A. Anathema means accursed. B. Maranatha is Aramaic and means Our Lord Come or Our Lord has come... as at the incarnation, birth of Jesus. III. Come, O Lord!

18 18 1 Corinthians 16:23, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. I. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. A. This is a frequently used Pauline benediction. 1 Corinthians 16:24, My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. I. My (Paul s) love to, be with you, all of you in Christ Jesus. II. Amen. A. In view of the nature of this epistle, dealing as it does with so many problems, Paul adds an additional benediction to his usual closing. B. Philippians 3:9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: A. So be it!

19 19 Questions 1 Corinthians 16: Paul, after just concluding a deep theological discussion of the resurrection, now turns abruptly to practical considerations regarding what five topics? 2. Why was Paul involved in taking a collection to the poor saints in Jerusalem? 3. Why were there so many poor saints in Jerusalem? 4. When were the Corinthians to lay by in store for this purpose? Why was this time chosen?

20 20 5. Paul was careful to give no one an occasion to criticize him in regard to his handling of these funds. What precautions did he take? What does this teach us? 6. Paul planned to in after having gone through. Paul thought he might at, even spend the there. The could then forward on his. 7. Why did Paul delay his trip to Corinth? 8. All of Paul s plans were contingent on,. 9. Paul intended to stay at until because a for had to him. However, there were many who Paul, many. 10. What did Paul ask the Corinthians to do regarding Timothy and why?

21 What did Paul want Apollos to do? Why? What did Apollos not agree to do? Why? What was Apollos willing to do? Why? _ 12. Be on your,. in the. Behave yourselves as of. Be in the. Do everything in. 13. What do you know about Stephanas and his household? 14. What do you know about Fortunatus and Achaicus? 15. Who were Aquila and Priscilla?

22 Are Christians commanded to greet one another with a holy kiss? Give reasons for your answer. 17. Who actually wrote the book of 1 Corinthians? How do we know Paul was its author? 18. Paul pronounced a curse on all those who do not love the Lord. What do you think of this? Was this nice? 19. The of the be upon you. My to all of you be in. 20. The Corinthian church had many problems. List five of these serious problems.

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