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1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

1 Corinthians 16 brings Paul's letter to a practical and personal close. He gives instructions about support for needy believers, shares his travel plans, and asks the church to welcome fellow workers well. The chapter ends with firm encouragement, family greetings, and words of grace and love.

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What happens in 1 Corinthians 16?

Paul begins with directions for a regular collection for the saints, asking each believer to set aside gifts so help will be ready when he arrives. He then explains his travel plans, including a future visit to Corinth and a stay in Ephesus for effective ministry despite opposition. Paul also urges the church to treat Timothy kindly and notes his hopes regarding Apollos. The chapter finishes with clear calls to watchfulness, courage, strength, and love, followed by greetings, a warning, a prayer for the Lord's return, and Paul's closing blessing.

This final chapter wraps up Paul's first letter to the Corinthians after his long teaching on unity, worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. It moves from doctrine to everyday church life, showing how Christian truth shapes giving, leadership, relationships, and perseverance. The closing lines also connect Corinth to the wider network of churches and workers in Paul's ministry.

Themes to notice

  • Generous GivingPaul encourages planned support for believers in need and careful handling of the gift.
  • Christian ConductThe church is told to stay alert, stand firm, act with courage, and let love guide everything.
  • Shared MinistryPaul highlights Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, and others as examples of faithful service and mutual honor.

Questions for 1 Corinthians 16

  • What does Paul teach about preparing gifts for believers in need, and why does he want it done ahead of time?
  • How do Paul's travel plans and comments about Timothy and Apollos show his priorities in ministry and relationships?
  • What do the final commands to stand firm, act in love, and honor servant leaders mean for the church today?

Read the full text of 1 Corinthians 16 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

1 Corinthians 16

The Collection for the Saints

1Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:2On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.3Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.4And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

5After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia.6Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.7For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

Timothy and Apollos

10If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.11No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.

12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

Concluding Exhortations

13Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.14Do everything in love.

15You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers,16to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.17I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.18For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.

Signature and Final Greetings

19The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.20All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.22If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.24My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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