God Speaks
Now here are the directions about the money you are collecting to send to the Christians in Jerusalem; (and, by the way, these are the same directions I gave to the churches in Galatia). 2 On every Lord’s Day each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for this offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come I will send your loving gift with a letter to Jerusalem, to be taken there by trustworthy messengers you yourselves will choose. 4 And if it seems wise for me to go along too, then we can travel together.
5 I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia first, but I will be staying there only for a little while. 6 It could be that I will stay longer with you, perhaps all winter, and then you can send me on to my next destination. 7 This time I don’t want to make just a passing visit and then go right on; I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me. 8 I will be staying here at Ephesus until the holiday of Pentecost, 9 for there is a wide open door for me to preach and teach here. So much is happening, but there are many enemies.
10 If Timothy comes make him feel at home, for he is doing the Lord’s work just as I am. 11 Don’t let anyone despise or ignore him because he is young, but send him back to me happy with his time among you; I am looking forward to seeing him soon, along with the others who are returning.
12 I begged Apollos to visit you along with the others, but he thought that it was not at all God’s will for him to go now; he will be seeing you later on when he has the opportunity.
13 Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger; stand true to the Lord; act like men; be strong; 14 and whatever you do, do it with kindness and love.
15 Do you remember Stephanas and his family? They were the first to become Christians in Greece, and they are spending their lives helping and serving Christians everywhere. 16 Please follow their instructions and do everything you can to help them as well as all others like them who work hard at your side with such real devotion. 17 I am so glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived here for a visit. They have been making up for the help you aren’t here to give me. 18 They have cheered me greatly and have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as I am sure they were to you, too. I hope you properly appreciate the work of such men as these.
19 The churches here in Asia send you their loving greetings. Aquila and Priscilla send you their love, and so do all the others who meet in their home for their church service. 20 All the friends here have asked me to say hello to you for them. And give each other a loving handshake when you meet.
21 I will write these final words of this letter with my own hand: 22 if anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Lord Jesus, come! 23 May the love and favor of the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you. 24 My love to all of you, for we all belong to Christ Jesus.
Sincerely, Paul
Source: The Living Bible: BibleGateway.com
We Respond
Reflection: Paul begins this chapter with how the Corinthians are to take up an offering for the Christians in Jerusalem. Each person was to set aside a portion of his or her income weekly based on their ability and God’s leading. Gradually, this would grow until Paul arrived. According to his comments later in the chapter, this could have been for several months, perhaps the better part of a year. This orderly procedure would avoid a frantic, last-minute appeal that might embarrass some and/or fuel the pride of those who had access to ready cash. This collection was then to be delivered to the saints in Jerusalem by the Corinthians’ own chosen representatives, providing for good accountability. Paul was looking forward to spending some time (perhaps all winter) in Corinth after going to Macedonia. In the meanwhile, the Holy Spirit was giving him a fruitful though challenging time there in Ephesus. Paul went on to recommend and commend various Christian leaders both in Corinth and Ephesus. “Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger; stand true to the Lord; act like men; be strong; and whatever you do, do it with kindness and love.” First Corinthians 16:13-14 (TLB) provides a key nugget of instruction as Paul closes out this important letter. Paul signs off in his own handwriting, emphasizing the importance of loving the Lord, anticipating His return, living in His love and favor, and remembering that we belong to Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Father God who cares for His children and instructs them to care for each other, thank You for the orderly way Paul addressed the problem of raising money to send to the poor and/or persecuted Christians in Jerusalem. May leaders look forward to spending time with the people in the flock to which God has assigned them, even if there are problems to be worked out or corrected. Holy Spirit, please give Christian leaders fruitful ministries in the midst of any opposition they may be facing in either the natural or spiritual realms. Lord, please help me to find concrete ways to commend and recommend the Christian leaders You have assigned to me. Also, please keep me alert to enemies and dangers, seen and unseen. I desire to stand true to You, Lord; act like a wise adult; be emotionally and spiritually if not physically strong; and most of all, act toward others out of Your kindness and love. Jesus, I look forward to Your soon return to straighten out my messy life and this messed up world. Please remind all us who belong to You of that glorious fact. AMEN
Action: (Ask the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)
- I will memorize 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and use it as a guide in praying for myself and others. “Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger; stand true to the Lord; act like men; be strong; and whatever you do, do it with kindness and love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 TLB
- I will look for ways to encourage and help Christian leaders I know.
- I will begin setting aside money once a week to contribute to needy or persecuted Christians.
- I will pray for the Lord to protect believers from enemies and dangers, seen and unseen.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.