The Chosen Key Word in this Chapter is “Grace” it comes from the Greek Word “charis” which means “grace.”
Paul closes his letter with practical instructions, travel plans, and a final word of warm encouragement. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is 1 Corinthians 16.
Paul gives practical instructions for a collection being gathered for the poor believers in Jerusalem, instructing the Corinthians to set aside money regularly on the first day of the week according to how they have prospered, so that no collections need to happen after Paul actually arrives. He explains his travel plans, intending to pass through Macedonia before possibly spending time, even the whole winter, with the Corinthians themselves, hoping they might help him on his onward journey.
Paul mentions his hope that Timotheus, already traveling toward them, will be received without fear, since he does the work of the Lord just as Paul himself does. He explains that he had strongly urged Apollos to visit them as well, though Apollos was not willing to come at this particular time, promising he will come when he has a convenient opportunity. Paul closes with a series of brief, energetic exhortations. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity,” the same Greek word for grace, “charis,” running throughout his closing blessing as well.
Paul commends the household of Stephanas, the first converts in Achaia, who have devoted themselves to serving the saints, urging the Corinthians to submit to such people and to everyone who labors and works alongside them. He sends greetings from the churches of Asia, and from Aquila and Priscilla, along with all the believers, closing this letter, remarkably, in his own handwriting rather than dictated as usual, with a solemn warning against anyone who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, and his familiar benediction, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
Paul’s closing instructions about a simple, regular weekly collection for suffering believers elsewhere shows that even after sixteen chapters of deep theology and difficult correction, practical, tangible generosity toward fellow believers in need remained just as important to him as any doctrinal point he had made throughout the entire letter.
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