返回Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
1 Cor. 16:1. Now concerning the collection (περί δε της λογίας) for the saints, do as I have ordered (διέταξα) in the churches of Galatia.
Having finished the dogmatic teaching, he turned to the chief of virtues — almsgiving. He calls it a collection in order to lighten the matter from its very beginning. For what was collected from many was easy for each one. Then he urges them to emulation, relating what had been accomplished by others, as, he says, the Galatians did. He did not say: I proposed, but: "I ordained," — which signifies greater authority, — so that you would know that this is a royal ordinance, and would not neglect this matter.
1 Cor. 16:2. On the first day of the week let each one of you lay aside by himself and save, as much as his means allow.
He calls the first day of the week the Lord's day (Sunday). And by the very day he predisposes them to almsgiving, reminding them of the mysteries celebrated on that day. Very wisely also he commands each person to save aside "as much as his means will allow," that is, whatever God sends and whatever is at hand. For he did not say: bring it immediately, lest he put to shame someone who has little, but: set it aside by yourself, and when the time comes, then bring it.
1 Cor. 16:2. So that no collections be made when I come.
So that, he says, you would not be collecting at the time when it is necessary to distribute. With the words "when I come" he makes them more diligent in the collection, since the donations will be before his eyes.
1 Cor. 16:3. When I come, whomever you choose, I will send them with letters, to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.
He said well, "whom you shall approve," to avoid any scandal, lest they suspect that he wishes to take some portion of the collection for himself. So after the word "approve" place a period, then read: "them I will send with letters." The connection will be as follows: whomever you approve, those I will send with my own letters. He speaks as if to say: I myself will also join them and will take part in this ministry through my letters. He called this matter a "gift" (in Church Slavonic, a grace) — that is, a donation — in order to show that they are accomplishing something great, accomplishing it both without sorrow and without compulsion. For grace is of such a nature. But to call the offering alms would have been unworthy of the saints who were to receive it.
1 Cor. 16:4. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
If, he says, the collection is such that my service is also required, then I too will go. By this he also disposes them to generosity. He also wants to have witnesses that he will take nothing for himself. Therefore he says: they will go with me.
1 Cor. 16:5-7. I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia; for I am going through Macedonia. And with you perhaps I will stay, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
He did not say: I will go to Macedonia, lest they say: "you prefer the Macedonians to us," but said: I am passing through Macedonia, that is, I am visiting the Macedonians hastily and in passing, but with you I will stay. By this he shows that he prefers them to the Macedonians, as disciples most sincere and most worthy; for the church of Corinth was great. By the word "stay" he frightens those who were sinning. He adds "if the Lord permits" because of uncertainty. For he did not know whether or not this would be permitted him by the Spirit. For the Spirit led him wherever He Himself willed. Being in Ephesus, he intended from there to go to Macedonia, pass through it, and then go to them. By many arguments he proves his affection for them, both by the fact that he does not wish to see them in passing, and by the fact that he desires that they accompany him on his way.
1 Cor. 16:8. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost.
And this is a sign of strong love, that he tells them where he will be, how long he will stay, and even adds the reason. For he continues.
1 Cor. 16:9. For a great and wide door has been opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
That is, many desire to come to the faith, and a wide entrance to them is open to me, since their mind has ripened for the faith. For a teacher is constrained when his students are not diligent; on the contrary, the field is wide for him when his students are ready. For this very reason there are also "many adversaries," for the devil, seeing that his servants are being taken from him, becomes more agitated and raises up adversaries.
1 Cor. 16:10. If Timothy comes to you, see that he may be with you without fear.
Since it was likely that Timothy, upon arriving in Corinth, would reprove those who were sinning and rebuke them, he warns them so that the wealthy wise men would not rise up against him — not because Timothy lacked courage and could fall, but because they themselves could cause harm to themselves. And he was very ready for dangers. He said well: "among you." For do not speak to me of the Greeks, when I require of you what is proper.
1 Cor. 16:10-11. For he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him.
That is, he preaches and teaches, and not simply, but as I do, which constitutes great praise for Timothy. Since he is such, let no one belittle him. For he was young and alone, and he was entrusted with caring for very many people, and moreover contemptuous ones; it is also likely that he was looked down upon.
1 Cor. 16:11. But send him on his way in peace, that he may come to me, for I await him with the brethren.
He says even more: and show him honor; for this means: "send him on his way. In peace," that is, safely, without struggle and dispute, with all submission. With the words "I am expecting him" he frightens them, so that knowing he will report everything to Paul, they would not offend him in any way, and at the same time presents him as worthy of respect; for he considers him so necessary that he is expecting him.
1 Cor. 16:12. As for brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to go to you with the brethren; but he was by no means willing to come now.
Apollo was both older than Timothy and an eloquent man. Lest they say, why then did he not send him, but the younger one, he says: "I strongly urged him." And he does not say: he opposed me, but, freeing him from blame, he says: "but he was quite unwilling," that is, it was not pleasing to God. And lest they say that this is an excuse and a pretext, he says further.
1 Cor. 16:12. And he will come when it is convenient for him.
At the same time he both defends him and comforts them, who wished to see him, with the hope of his arrival.
1 Cor. 16:13. Be watchful.
Toward the end of the epistle he again persuades; he shows that one must not rely only on teachers, but also attend to oneself. "Be watchful," since there are deceivers. He said this because they were, as it were, sleeping.
1 Cor. 16:13. Stand in the faith.
But not in outward wisdom; for in it one cannot be established, but only go around in circles. He said this because they were wavering.
1 Cor. 16:13. Be courageous, be firm.
Since there are slanderers. He said this because they had become slack in spirit.
1 Cor. 16:14. Let all things among you be done with love.
This is against those who were disturbing and tearing apart the Church. Whether someone teaches, whether someone learns, whether someone rebukes, let everything, he says, be done with love, and through the mediation of love there will be neither pride nor division.
1 Cor. 16:15. I beseech you, brethren.
Here a rearrangement is needed: I beseech you, that ye also submit yourselves unto such; the rest is inserted.
1 Cor. 16:15. You know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia.
You, he says, know, and do not need instruction from me. He calls the household of Stephanas the "firstfruits" of Achaia either because it was the first to believe, or because it also led a beautiful life; for the firstfruits must always have superiority over that of which it is the beginning. By Achaia he means Hellas.
1 Cor. 16:15. And that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.
They determined and devoted themselves to the reception of believing poor and to ministering to them, and not by compulsion from others, but of their own free will.
1 Cor. 16:16. Be respectful also to such people, and to everyone who cooperates and labors.
That is, participate with them both in monetary support and in bodily service. And he did not simply say: assist, but: "be respectful," commanding earnest obedience. And lest they think he is favoring Stephanas alone, he adds: "and to everyone who assists and labors" — in what? In ministry to the saints. For all such persons are worthy of honor; and they in that case will bear their labor more courageously.
1 Cor. 16:17. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus: they have supplied for me your absence.
They reported to Paul the news about the divisions and other failings in Corinth. Perhaps it was through them that the members of Chloe's household informed him (1 Cor. 1:11). Since it was natural that the Corinthians would become embittered against them, he restrains them by saying that they "supplied what was lacking on your part," that is, they came in place of all of you, and for your sake undertook such a journey to me.
1 Cor. 16:18. They refreshed my spirit and yours.
He declares that his peace is their peace. Since they have set me at ease, and my peace is beneficial for you yourselves, then on your part let nothing unpleasant be declared against them.
1 Cor. 16:18. Hold such men in esteem.
That is, honor them.
1 Cor. 16:19. The churches of Asia greet you.
Members of Christ he unites through greeting, according to his constant custom.
1 Cor. 16:19. Aquila and Priscilla greet you earnestly in the Lord, together with the church in their house.
He stayed with them, because he himself was also occupied with tent-making (Acts 18:1–3). Note their virtue in that they made their house a church, having arranged in it gatherings of the faithful.
1 Cor. 16:20. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Only here does he make the addition about the holy kiss, because there were many divisions. Since he had urged them greatly toward unity, he finally unites them also with a kiss — "holy," that is, sincere, and not hypocritical.
1 Cor. 16:21. My greeting, Paul's, in my own hand.
He made a greeting in his own hand, in order to show that he attaches great importance to the epistle.
1 Cor. 16:22. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema. Maranatha.
By this one word he struck fear into all — the fornicators, the dissenters, those who consumed food offered to idols, those who disbelieved in the resurrection, and in general all among them who conducted themselves contrary to his teaching and tradition. For all such people do not love the Lord. "Maranatha," that is, the Lord has come. He said this partly to confirm the teaching about the dispensation, and through this also the resurrection, and partly to put them to shame: the Master accepted everything upon Himself for our sake, yet you provoke Him — some by naming yourselves after men, and others by committing shameful deeds. He used an expression not Greek but Hebrew, or rather the Syrian language; for he was speaking to the Corinthians, who placed great value on outward wisdom and the beauty of the Greek tongue, yet he shows that he has no need of it whatsoever, but rather boasts in simplicity, so that he even speaks in a rough language.
1 Cor. 16:23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The duty of a teacher is not only to persuade, but also to pray, and thus to confirm in a twofold manner: by teaching and by drawing down help from above through his prayers.
1 Cor. 16:24. And my love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Since he was separated from them by location, he embraces them as it were with the arms of love, saying: "my love be with you," that is, I am present with all of you; for I am not without you, even though I am in another place. By this he also shows that although what was written manifests bitterness, it was written not out of anger, not out of fury, but out of love and care. And lest they think he says this out of flattery toward them, he adds: "in Christ Jesus," that is, my love has nothing human or carnal in it, but is spiritual and in Christ.
Let us also pray that, loving one another in Christ, we may bear nothing within ourselves of worldly love, which is hostile to God. For in this way we shall be deemed worthy of the longed-for dwellings of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord, Who loved us, to Whom be glory unto the ages of ages. Amen.
1 Cor. 16:1. Now concerning the collection (περί δε της λογίας) for the saints, do as I have ordered (διέταξα) in the churches of Galatia.
Having finished the dogmatic teaching, he turned to the chief of virtues — almsgiving. He calls it a collection in order to lighten the matter from its very beginning. For what was collected from many was easy for each one. Then he urges them to emulation, relating what had been accomplished by others, as, he says, the Galatians did. He did not say: I proposed, but: "I ordained," — which signifies greater authority, — so that you would know that this is a royal ordinance, and would not neglect this matter.
1 Cor. 16:2. On the first day of the week let each one of you lay aside by himself and save, as much as his means allow.
He calls the first day of the week the Lord's day (Sunday). And by the very day he predisposes them to almsgiving, reminding them of the mysteries celebrated on that day. Very wisely also he commands each person to save aside "as much as his means will allow," that is, whatever God sends and whatever is at hand. For he did not say: bring it immediately, lest he put to shame someone who has little, but: set it aside by yourself, and when the time comes, then bring it.
1 Cor. 16:2. So that no collections be made when I come.
So that, he says, you would not be collecting at the time when it is necessary to distribute. With the words "when I come" he makes them more diligent in the collection, since the donations will be before his eyes.
1 Cor. 16:3. When I come, whomever you choose, I will send them with letters, to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.
He said well, "whom you shall approve," to avoid any scandal, lest they suspect that he wishes to take some portion of the collection for himself. So after the word "approve" place a period, then read: "them I will send with letters." The connection will be as follows: whomever you approve, those I will send with my own letters. He speaks as if to say: I myself will also join them and will take part in this ministry through my letters. He called this matter a "gift" (in Church Slavonic, a grace) — that is, a donation — in order to show that they are accomplishing something great, accomplishing it both without sorrow and without compulsion. For grace is of such a nature. But to call the offering alms would have been unworthy of the saints who were to receive it.
1 Cor. 16:4. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
If, he says, the collection is such that my service is also required, then I too will go. By this he also disposes them to generosity. He also wants to have witnesses that he will take nothing for himself. Therefore he says: they will go with me.
1 Cor. 16:5-7. I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia; for I am going through Macedonia. And with you perhaps I will stay, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
He did not say: I will go to Macedonia, lest they say: "you prefer the Macedonians to us," but said: I am passing through Macedonia, that is, I am visiting the Macedonians hastily and in passing, but with you I will stay. By this he shows that he prefers them to the Macedonians, as disciples most sincere and most worthy; for the church of Corinth was great. By the word "stay" he frightens those who were sinning. He adds "if the Lord permits" because of uncertainty. For he did not know whether or not this would be permitted him by the Spirit. For the Spirit led him wherever He Himself willed. Being in Ephesus, he intended from there to go to Macedonia, pass through it, and then go to them. By many arguments he proves his affection for them, both by the fact that he does not wish to see them in passing, and by the fact that he desires that they accompany him on his way.
1 Cor. 16:8. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost.
And this is a sign of strong love, that he tells them where he will be, how long he will stay, and even adds the reason. For he continues.
1 Cor. 16:9. For a great and wide door has been opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
That is, many desire to come to the faith, and a wide entrance to them is open to me, since their mind has ripened for the faith. For a teacher is constrained when his students are not diligent; on the contrary, the field is wide for him when his students are ready. For this very reason there are also "many adversaries," for the devil, seeing that his servants are being taken from him, becomes more agitated and raises up adversaries.
1 Cor. 16:10. If Timothy comes to you, see that he may be with you without fear.
Since it was likely that Timothy, upon arriving in Corinth, would reprove those who were sinning and rebuke them, he warns them so that the wealthy wise men would not rise up against him — not because Timothy lacked courage and could fall, but because they themselves could cause harm to themselves. And he was very ready for dangers. He said well: "among you." For do not speak to me of the Greeks, when I require of you what is proper.
1 Cor. 16:10-11. For he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him.
That is, he preaches and teaches, and not simply, but as I do, which constitutes great praise for Timothy. Since he is such, let no one belittle him. For he was young and alone, and he was entrusted with caring for very many people, and moreover contemptuous ones; it is also likely that he was looked down upon.
1 Cor. 16:11. But send him on his way in peace, that he may come to me, for I await him with the brethren.
He says even more: and show him honor; for this means: "send him on his way. In peace," that is, safely, without struggle and dispute, with all submission. With the words "I am expecting him" he frightens them, so that knowing he will report everything to Paul, they would not offend him in any way, and at the same time presents him as worthy of respect; for he considers him so necessary that he is expecting him.
1 Cor. 16:12. As for brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to go to you with the brethren; but he was by no means willing to come now.
Apollo was both older than Timothy and an eloquent man. Lest they say, why then did he not send him, but the younger one, he says: "I strongly urged him." And he does not say: he opposed me, but, freeing him from blame, he says: "but he was quite unwilling," that is, it was not pleasing to God. And lest they say that this is an excuse and a pretext, he says further.
1 Cor. 16:12. And he will come when it is convenient for him.
At the same time he both defends him and comforts them, who wished to see him, with the hope of his arrival.
1 Cor. 16:13. Be watchful.
Toward the end of the epistle he again persuades; he shows that one must not rely only on teachers, but also attend to oneself. "Be watchful," since there are deceivers. He said this because they were, as it were, sleeping.
1 Cor. 16:13. Stand in the faith.
But not in outward wisdom; for in it one cannot be established, but only go around in circles. He said this because they were wavering.
1 Cor. 16:13. Be courageous, be firm.
Since there are slanderers. He said this because they had become slack in spirit.
1 Cor. 16:14. Let all things among you be done with love.
This is against those who were disturbing and tearing apart the Church. Whether someone teaches, whether someone learns, whether someone rebukes, let everything, he says, be done with love, and through the mediation of love there will be neither pride nor division.
1 Cor. 16:15. I beseech you, brethren.
Here a rearrangement is needed: I beseech you, that ye also submit yourselves unto such; the rest is inserted.
1 Cor. 16:15. You know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia.
You, he says, know, and do not need instruction from me. He calls the household of Stephanas the "firstfruits" of Achaia either because it was the first to believe, or because it also led a beautiful life; for the firstfruits must always have superiority over that of which it is the beginning. By Achaia he means Hellas.
1 Cor. 16:15. And that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.
They determined and devoted themselves to the reception of believing poor and to ministering to them, and not by compulsion from others, but of their own free will.
1 Cor. 16:16. Be respectful also to such people, and to everyone who cooperates and labors.
That is, participate with them both in monetary support and in bodily service. And he did not simply say: assist, but: "be respectful," commanding earnest obedience. And lest they think he is favoring Stephanas alone, he adds: "and to everyone who assists and labors" — in what? In ministry to the saints. For all such persons are worthy of honor; and they in that case will bear their labor more courageously.
1 Cor. 16:17. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus: they have supplied for me your absence.
They reported to Paul the news about the divisions and other failings in Corinth. Perhaps it was through them that the members of Chloe's household informed him (1 Cor. 1:11). Since it was natural that the Corinthians would become embittered against them, he restrains them by saying that they "supplied what was lacking on your part," that is, they came in place of all of you, and for your sake undertook such a journey to me.
1 Cor. 16:18. They refreshed my spirit and yours.
He declares that his peace is their peace. Since they have set me at ease, and my peace is beneficial for you yourselves, then on your part let nothing unpleasant be declared against them.
1 Cor. 16:18. Hold such men in esteem.
That is, honor them.
1 Cor. 16:19. The churches of Asia greet you.
Members of Christ he unites through greeting, according to his constant custom.
1 Cor. 16:19. Aquila and Priscilla greet you earnestly in the Lord, together with the church in their house.
He stayed with them, because he himself was also occupied with tent-making (Acts 18:1–3). Note their virtue in that they made their house a church, having arranged in it gatherings of the faithful.
1 Cor. 16:20. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Only here does he make the addition about the holy kiss, because there were many divisions. Since he had urged them greatly toward unity, he finally unites them also with a kiss — "holy," that is, sincere, and not hypocritical.
1 Cor. 16:21. My greeting, Paul's, in my own hand.
He made a greeting in his own hand, in order to show that he attaches great importance to the epistle.
1 Cor. 16:22. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema. Maranatha.
By this one word he struck fear into all — the fornicators, the dissenters, those who consumed food offered to idols, those who disbelieved in the resurrection, and in general all among them who conducted themselves contrary to his teaching and tradition. For all such people do not love the Lord. "Maranatha," that is, the Lord has come. He said this partly to confirm the teaching about the dispensation, and through this also the resurrection, and partly to put them to shame: the Master accepted everything upon Himself for our sake, yet you provoke Him — some by naming yourselves after men, and others by committing shameful deeds. He used an expression not Greek but Hebrew, or rather the Syrian language; for he was speaking to the Corinthians, who placed great value on outward wisdom and the beauty of the Greek tongue, yet he shows that he has no need of it whatsoever, but rather boasts in simplicity, so that he even speaks in a rough language.
1 Cor. 16:23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The duty of a teacher is not only to persuade, but also to pray, and thus to confirm in a twofold manner: by teaching and by drawing down help from above through his prayers.
1 Cor. 16:24. And my love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Since he was separated from them by location, he embraces them as it were with the arms of love, saying: "my love be with you," that is, I am present with all of you; for I am not without you, even though I am in another place. By this he also shows that although what was written manifests bitterness, it was written not out of anger, not out of fury, but out of love and care. And lest they think he says this out of flattery toward them, he adds: "in Christ Jesus," that is, my love has nothing human or carnal in it, but is spiritual and in Christ.
Let us also pray that, loving one another in Christ, we may bear nothing within ourselves of worldly love, which is hostile to God. For in this way we shall be deemed worthy of the longed-for dwellings of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord, Who loved us, to Whom be glory unto the ages of ages. Amen.