'1Cor 16:5-24

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Personal notes and farewell (1Co 16:5-24)

Paul’s plan is to visit Macedonia and then move south to Corinth. He realizes that the church in Corinth needs further help, so when he comes he wants to spend some time there (1Co 16:5-7).

He is not sure when he will make this visit, as he currently has much urgent work to do in Ephesus (1Co 16:8-9).

When Timothy arrives in Corinth (cf. Acts 19:22), the Christians are not to treat him with any less respect than they would Paul, for Timothy and he are doing the same work. Paul is anxious for Timothy to return to Ephesus as soon as possible, so that he might find out whether the situation in Corinth has improved (1Co 16:10-11).

Paul tells them he has suggested that Apollos pay them another visit, but Apollos feels the time is not yet suitable (1Co 16:12).

Paul urges the Corinthians not to act like children any longer, but to act like responsible mature adults (1Co 16:13-14).

Not all of them have acted immaturely. There are faithful hard-working people like those of the household of Stephanus, and the church should follow their leadership (1Co 16:15-16).

The other two men who have come with Stephanus to seek Paul’s advice are likewise ones whom the church should follow (1Co 16:17-18).

A number of people and churches of the province of Asia join Paul in sending greetings to the Corinthians. Among these are Aquila and Priscilla, and the church in Ephesus that meets in their house (1Co 16:19-20; cf. Acts 18:18-19,24-26).

Finally, Paul takes the pen from his secretary to sign the letter himself (1Co 16:21; cf. 2 Thess 3:17).

In his own handwriting he adds a warning to those who are disloyal to Christ, expresses his longing for Christ to return, and sends his love to all the believers in Corinth (1Co 16:22-24).