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First Corinthians – Part 44

Introduction

Last time we looked at the teaching of “Jew first” in the Acts and its impact on churches in Galatia and throughout the world as they felt the force of the imperative Paul gave them to look after the needy in Jerusalem. Paul ends the section in 16:9 saying that a great door and effectual is opened unto him and that there were many adversaries. We should not be surprized at the greatness of the door that has been opened to us to make known the fellowship of the mystery and to expect an even greater adversary.

Chapter 16:10-24

Timotheus is now mentioned — if he managed to come he was to be treated in such a way that he would be without fear. 

KJV  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.

Later PAul says to Timothy — “Let no man despise thy youth” — Timothy would have been yet younger in the period covered by the book of 1 Corinthians. It is of little surprize then to see Paul warning the Corinthians not to subject Timothy to any such prejudices. A young man yes but one that worked the work of the Lord as did Paul.

KJV  1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
TBT  1 Timothy 4:12 μηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω, ἀλλὰ τύπος γίνου τῶν πιστῶν ἐν λόγῳ, ἐν ἀναστροφῇ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐν πνεύματι, ἐν πίστει, ἐν ἁγνείᾳ.

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.

Paul was kindly affectioned toward Timothy and spiritually related often using the word “son” when addressing him see 1 Tim. 1:2,18; 2 Tim 1:2; 2:1; Tit 1:4.

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.

Paul’s desire was that Apollos would come to the Corinthians but Apollos did not wish to at that moment. Apollos is mentioned some 10 times in the scriptures and especially by Paul in the book of 1 Corinthians:

Paul now gives some more imperatives:

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.

TBT  1 Corinthians 16:13 Γρηγορεῖτε, στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει, ἀνδρίζεσθε, κραταιοῦσθε. (1Co 16:13 TBT)

The verbs mean “Stay awake”, “Stand in the faith”, “Behave like a man”, “Be powerful”, respectfully.  In verse 14 we have the contextual modifier “Let all things be done with charity” — christian love. Verse 15 then goes further with a beseechment “call to the side” — Paul is as it were bringing them to his side for a personal request or discussion. The house of Stephanas (1:16) were the first ones to respond to the gospel in Achaia and have subsequently “appointed” themselves or “ordained” themselves to ministering to the saints. Man do we need this kind of appointment and devotion. Initiative is in short supply today. Such people the Corinthians were to respect by their submission and to all who helped Paul and his companions.

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.

Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus all came and Paul was glad for this. They did what the Corinthians failed to do — they refreshed both the Corinthians and Paul’s spirit — for this they should be ackowledged.

19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 
TBT  1 Corinthians 16:19 Ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τῆς Ἀσίας· ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς ἐν Κυρίῳ πολλὰ Ἀκύλας καὶ Πρίσκιλλα, σὺν τῇ κατ᾽ οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίᾳ. (1Co 16:19 TBT)

The verb translated “salute” means “to embrace” and hence “greet or salute”.  in this verse we have whole churches greeting the Corinthian assembly along with Acquilla and Priscilla and the church in their house. House churches were and still are a good way to further God’s will. 

20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

A holy KISS — could there be UNHOLY kisses?

21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
TBT  1 Corinthians 16:21 Ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου. (1Co 16:21 TBT)

Paul literally signs off his epistle with his own hand — the quill would be taken from the literal writer and Paul would put his characteristic greeting ” Ὁ ἀσπασμὸς ” in his own hand.

22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
TBT  1 Corinthians 16:22 εἴ τις οὐ φιλεῖ τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, ἤτω ἀνάθεμα. Μαρὰν ἀθά. (1Co 16:22 TBT)

The expression “Anathema Maranatha” comes from the Aramaic and means that the person who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ should be accursed at His coming. The idea is expressed from the point of view of the hope of Israel.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. <The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.> (1Co 16:10 KJV)

Here is Paul’s distinctive signature. And so ends our study on 1 Corinthians. Please see media for more information and videos on the subject.