1 Corinthians 16

Paul provides instructions for a weekly collection for the saints in Jerusalem, to be gathered before his arrival. He outlines his travel plans, intending to visit Corinth after Macedonia and stay through winter, while remaining in Ephesus until Pentecost due to effective ministry. He also gives directives concerning Timothy's reception and Apollos's delayed visit, concluding with exhortations to steadfastness, charity, and various greetings.

Paul begins by instructing the Corinthians on a weekly collection for the saints in Jerusalem, to be set aside on the first day of the week to avoid last-minute gatherings upon his arrival. He details his travel itinerary, explaining he will pass through Macedonia before coming to Corinth, where he might stay for the winter. He notes his current stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, citing a significant ministry opportunity despite opposition. Paul then addresses the anticipated arrival of Timothy, urging the Corinthians to receive him without fear and assist his return journey, while also mentioning Apollos's decision not to visit at this time. The chapter concludes with strong exhortations to watchfulness, steadfastness in faith, courage, and to perform all actions with charity. He commends Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus for their service and delivers various greetings and a final benediction.

The final chapter of 1 Corinthians opens with Paul's directives concerning a collection for the saints in Jerusalem, mirroring instructions given to the churches of Galatia. He specifies that each believer should set aside a contribution on the first day of every week, according to their prosperity, to prevent hurried collections upon his arrival. Approved messengers, chosen by the Corinthians, would then transport this liberality to Jerusalem, with Paul possibly accompanying them if deemed necessary. Paul then outlines his own travel plans, indicating his intention to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia, and suggests he might even spend the winter with them, desiring a longer stay rather than a brief visit. He explains his current commitment to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, citing a "great door and effectual" for ministry, despite facing "many adversaries." Regarding his co-workers, Paul instructs the Corinthians to receive Timothy without fear, as he is engaged in the Lord's work, and to send him forth in peace to rejoin Paul. He also addresses the matter of Apollos, whom he had desired to send with the brethren, but Apollos's will was not to come at that particular time, promising to visit when convenient. Paul then delivers a series of powerful exhortations: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong," emphasizing that "all your things be done with charity." He commends the household of Stephanas as the "firstfruits of Achaia," highlighting their dedication to the ministry of the saints, and urges the Corinthians to submit to and acknowledge such diligent workers, including Fortunatus and Achaicus, who had refreshed his spirit. The chapter concludes with greetings from the churches of Asia, specifically Aquila and Priscilla and the church in their house, and from all the brethren, with an instruction to greet one another with a holy kiss. Paul adds a personal salutation in his own hand, a solemn warning against those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ ("Anathema Maranatha"), and a final benediction of grace and love in Christ Jesus.