Read the Passage: 1 Corinthians 16

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: 1 Corinthians 16

Church Collection (16:1–4)

Given all the challenging subjects that Paul deals with, it is somewhat surprising that he waits until the end of this book to address giving. Of course, in an earlier chapter Paul did confront lawsuits (cf. 1 Cor. 6:1–11) and he also raised the issue of the church’s duty to financially support its ministers (cf. 1 Cor. 9:1–18). However, it is not until 1 Cor. 16:1–4 that Paul specifically addresses the topic of Christian giving. Here in this passage Paul mentions a certain “collection for the saints” (1 Cor. 16:1). From Paul’s other letters we learn that this offering was a collection for the churches in Palestine, who were laboring under persecution and suffering from famine (cf. Acts 11:28; 24:17). Other passages where Paul mentions this planned collection include Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:1–5; 9:12–15. Note that at 1 Cor. 16:3 Paul remains above reproach, as he indicates that others could bring the collected money to Jerusalem.

While Paul’s main purpose in 1 Cor. 16:1–4 is not to set forth a comprehensive theology of giving, from 1 Cor. 16:2 we can glean several principles that are helpful in regard to offerings, collections, giving, and the like. First, we learn that giving is to be periodic (i.e., “On the first day of the week. . .”). Second, Paul writes that giving is to be personal (i.e., “. . . let each one of you . . .”). Third, financial gifts should be planned (i.e., “. . . lay something aside. . .”). Fourth, we learn that believers’ giving is to be proportional (i.e., “. . . storing up as he may prosper . . .”). Fifth, Paul indicates that financial offerings are to be plentiful (i.e., “. . . that there be no collection when I come.). Interestingly, neither in this letter nor in any of his other writings does Paul specify an exact amount or percentage that believers should contribute to their churches and other Christian organizations.

Travel Plans (16:5–12)

Recall that Paul likely was writing this letter to Corinth from the city of Ephesus, while on this third missionary journey. In 1 Cor. 16:5–12 Paul discloses his future travel plans to the church. It seems Paul may have originally planned to visit Corinth both on his way to and from Macedonia (cf. 1 Cor. 4:19; 2 Cor. 1:15–16), yet his plans had changed so that his then current plan entailed only one visit to Corinth while traveling through Macedonia. Factors such as the approaching winter (cf. 1 Cor. 16:6) surely affected Paul’s travel plans, yet he writes that the main reason for his new itinerary was that “a great and effective door [of ministry] has opened to me [in Ephesus]” (1 Cor. 16:9). Furthermore, given the geography of the region, it was logical for Paul to rest in Corinth, giving the church an opportunity to assist with his travel. Observe that Timothy was likely the courier of this epistle (cf. 1 Cor. 16:10).

It is interesting that Paul adjusted his travel plans on account of an open door of effective ministry in Ephesus (cf. 1 Cor. 16:8–9). In the planning and practice of ministry, looking for and even praying for open doors can be helpful (cf. Col. 4:3). However, Christians must be careful not to overemphasize open doors of ministry. Indeed, in 2 Cor. 2:13–14 Paul later writes that when he left his ministry in Ephesus he visited Troas “and a door was opened to me by the Lord” (2 Cor. 2:13). Yet, since he was concerned about not finding Titus, Paul departed from Troas and went to Macedonia (cf. 2 Cor. 2:14). Therefore, from Paul’s own testimony, we can conclude that believers ought not to view open doors as infallible signposts for ministry; rather, open doors are simply opportunities for ministry. Next, in 1 Cor. 16:10–12 Paul exhorts the church to receive Timothy, and he explains Apollos’ absence.

Personal Greetings (16:13–24)

As he oftentimes did in his epistles, Paul concludes this letter by passing along personal greetings to fellow believers. After greeting his readers from the churches in Asia Minor, Paul records greetings from Aquila and Pricillia. This couple had hosted Paul on his initial visit to Corinth (cf. Acts 18:1–3) and apparently had traveled with Paul to Ephesus. Aquila and Pricillia are also mentioned as being members of the church at Rome (cf. Rom. 16:3), as well as being with Timothy towards the end of Paul’s life (cf. 2 Tim. 4:19). Note that at 1 Cor. 16:21 Paul indicates he had written the final lines of this epistle with his own hand—perhaps as a type of security measure, as he had done elsewhere (cf. Gal. 6:11; Col. 4:18; 2 Thess. 3:17; Phile 19). In conclusion, Paul exalts the love of Christ, pleads for Jesus’ return, wishes grace upon believers, and expresses his love for the church.

Application Questions:

1. Do most modern churches do a good job of ministering to other congregations in their area who are in need?
2. Is there a specific financial amount or percentage that Christians should regularly give to their churches?
3. What role should factors such as opportunity, utility, and pragmatics play in planning for Christian ministry?
4. How would you define an open door of ministry? Is it possible to read God’s providence in order to discern God’s will?
5. What is the significance of Paul beginning this letter with grace (cf. 1 Cor. 1:3), and ending this letter with grace (cf. 1 Cor. 16:23)?