1 first corinthians “solving church problems” lesson 23, section twenty “tying up loose...

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First Corinthians“Solving Church Problems”

First Corinthians“Solving Church Problems”

Lesson 23, Section Twenty

“Tying Up Loose Ends”

First Corinthians 16:1-24

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“Tying Up Loose Ends” – Chapter 16“Tying Up Loose Ends” – Chapter 16

• The collection for the saints• Paul’s personal travel plans• A few final exhortations• His salutation

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Questions for Section Twenty – 1 Cor. 16Questions for Section Twenty – 1 Cor. 16

1. What congregational responsibility does Paul first discuss in this chapter? (1,2)

The collection for the saints – giving.

2. How can we be sure that this was a public activity rather than a private one (i.e., at church rather than at home)? (1,2)

They were to avoid collections when he came to them

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Let’s read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4Let’s read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:

2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.

4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

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Instructions for giving were clear...First Corinthians 16:1-2Instructions for giving were clear...First Corinthians 16:1-2

• When — “upon the first day of [“every”--RSV] week.” This was meeting day for worship among New Testament churches.

(Acts 2:42; 20:7; Heb.10:25)

• Who — “every one of you.” All members were included. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). No member should be restricted from this weekly opportunity to get a spiritual blessing.

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• What — “lay by in store.” “The words do not mean to lay by at home, but to lay by himself, i.e., let him take to himself what he means to give.”

-- Charles Hodge (First Corinthians, pp.363-364)

• How — “as he may prosper” [ASV, RSV]; “as God hath prospered him” [KJV]; “as he has a mind to” [Confraternity]. A proportion, not a figure, is specified. 2Cor.9:6,7 sets guidelines for the amount and the attitude of the giver.

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• Why — “that there be no collections when I come.” Efficiency and urgency were important to the execution of this project. Paul also wanted the matter of the collection to have been taken care of by the time he came to Corinth. This would allow him to use his time in addressing any unresolved problems among the members.

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Ensure the integrity of the fundsFirst Corinthians 16:3-4Ensure the integrity of the fundsFirst Corinthians 16:3-4

• Paul wanted to avoid every appearance of a conflict of interest• Various churches appointed the men who were

responsible for their collections

• Churches today must follow the same principle• We too must make sure that our collections are free

from dishonesty and greed

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3. What change of plans did Paul make for which he was later criticized by the Corinthians? (5-8) [See 2Cor. 1:15,16.]

The Corinthians were expecting him earlier. He had planned to go to Corinth for a short visit, then to Macedonia and then back to Corinth. Instead, he went to Macedonia, then to Corinth hoping to spend the winter with them.

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5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).

6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.

7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.

9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

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• Paul did not think it wise to go to them for a short visit• Obviously, he wanted them to correct some things

before he went

• “If the Lord permits”• “…if the Lord wills” was used in 1 Cor. 4:19• James 4:15 – Instead you ought to say, "If the

Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

Paul’s Travel PlansFirst Corinthians 16:5-7Paul’s Travel PlansFirst Corinthians 16:5-7

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4. Which of Paul’s companions in the gospel did he say would soon be coming to Corinth? Which one would not? (10-12) [See Acts 19:22.]

Timothy would likely go to them.

Apollos wanted to wait for a more convenient time.

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10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

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TimothyFirst Corinthians 16:11-11TimothyFirst Corinthians 16:11-11

• Timothy and Erastus had already been sent to Corinth via of Macedonia (1 Cor. 4:17; Acts 19:22)

• Paul wanted them to treat Timothy with respect

• Timothy met Paul in Macedonia where Paul wrote Second Corinthians

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ApollosFirst Corinthians 16:12ApollosFirst Corinthians 16:12

• Apollos - A Jew, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus (Act 18:24-25) • He was an eloquent man, competent in the

Scriptures• He had been instructed in the way of the Lord• And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught

accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

• He seemed to be with Paul in Ephesus• He did not want to go to Corinth at this time

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5. What motive should underlie all that the Corinthians did? (14)

Love

6. What do we know about the family of Stephanas? (15)

They were the firstfruits of Achaia [a province of Greece] and they devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints

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13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

14 Let all that you do be done with love.

15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—

16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

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• Watch – Be continually on guard• Stand fast in the faith – Don’t let it slip away• Be brave – Stand up to the evil doers; don’t

be intimidated• Be strong - Be firm, fixed, steadfast• They needed love to solve their problems

Words of EncouragementFirst Corinthians 16:13-14Words of EncouragementFirst Corinthians 16:13-14

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7. What had Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus done for Paul? (17)

They came to Paul and were asking for Paul’s help in solving their church problems.

8. Who had a church in their house? Where have we met these individuals before? (19) [See Acts 18:1-3.]

Aquila and Priscilla – Paul met them on his first visit to Corinth

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17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.

18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

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Some More GreetingsFirst Corinthians 16:17-19Some More GreetingsFirst Corinthians 16:17-19

• These three men, Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, supplied Paul with additional information which helped him deal with the problems facing the Corinthians

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Some More GreetingsFirst Corinthians 16:17-19Some More GreetingsFirst Corinthians 16:17-19

• Aquila and Priscilla – When Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who recently came from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome (Acts 18:2)

• They took Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26)

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9. What had Paul written with his own hand? Why? (21)

The salutation [the greeting portion of a speech or letter] in his own handwriting provided a seal as to the authenticity of the letter.

10. What was Paul’s attitude toward those who do not love the Lord? (22)

Let them be accursed [“anathema” in Greek]

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

21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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The SalutationFirst Corinthians 16:20-24The SalutationFirst Corinthians 16:20-24

• Paul did not wish a curse upon them but was expressing a fact of what will happen to anyone who loves not the Lord Jesus Christ

• “O Lord, come” – He is reminding them of the second coming of Christ which will bring wrath upon those who do not love Him

• He closes his letter in a positive tone – words of comfort and encouragement

1 first corinthians “solving church problems” lesson 23, section twenty “tying up loose...

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