We conclude our look at the book of 1 Corinthians today as Paul informs the believers at Corinth of his travel plans and makes his final remarks.
"After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you---for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." (1 Corinthians 16:5-9) I think the Apostle Paul would far rather have spoken to the believers at Corinth in person than through a letter, but at the present time it is the Lord's will for him to continue planting a church at Ephesus. Paul intends to see the believers at Corinth when he will have time to spend a nice long visit with them.
Now the apostle makes mention of his dear friend Timothy. "When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers." (1 Corinthians 16:10-11) Earlier in this letter we learned that some of the believers at Corinth were so prideful about their own spirituality that they scoffed at the authority of Paul, even though he was an apostle and an elder. He is concerned that they will show disrespect to Timothy because of his youth. (1 Timothy 4:12) So he cautions the church, "Treat Timothy with the same respect you'd treat any apostle or elder or teacher. He works just as hard for the Lord as any of us."
"Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity." (1 Corinthians 16:12) I don't know whether the church at Corinth had requested Apollos to come with the brothers who visited them and delivered Paul's letter, but Apollos is as busy right now as Paul himself. Wherever Apollos is and whatever he is doing, he does not feel it's the Lord's will for him to make a journey. It would appear that Paul greatly desires Apollos to go to Corinth and straighten out some of the problems there, but at the same time Paul respects the decision of Apollos not to go right now. Both these men are being obedient to the will of the Lord, and the will of the Lord prevails over the will of man. This doesn't mean that the Lord doesn't care about the problems at Corinth, but Paul's letter to the believers is inspired by the Holy Spirit and should be enough on its own to convince them to change the things that are wrong. The people at Corinth are already in Christ, and although they are missing the mark in some areas, they are not lost sinners who don't know the Lord. The Apostle Paul is at Ephesus preaching to people who are not already in Christ, and the salvation of these people's souls is vitally important.
Paul has already said enough to cause the people of Corinth to change their childish ways, so he sums everything up like this: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." (1 Corinthians 16:13-14) In the original language, where we find Paul saying "be courageous", he is literally saying "behave like men". He's saying, "Grow up! Stop bickering among yourselves like children. Behave like mature adults and show respect to each other. Love each other as Christ would have you do."
"You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord's people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatas and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition." (1 Corinthians 16:15-18) Paul says, "Treat Stephanas as you would treat an apostle. He was the first convert I made in Achaia and he works very hard for the Lord. So do Fortunatas and Achaicus." The names Fortunatas and Achaicus were commonly used for slaves, so these two men may have been former slaves of the household of Stephanas who are now freedmen. Paul doesn't want the people of Corinth to treat them with less respect because of their background. In Christ we are all equal, no matter our background or status in life.
"The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand." (1 Corinthians 16:19-20) It is believed that the Sosthenes mentioned in this letter wrote it down as Paul dictated it, but Paul writes the final remarks himself.
"If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed. Come, Lord!" (1 Corinthians 16:22) This may seem like an odd way to end a letter, but the fact is that anyone who does not love the Lord has put himself under a curse. The one who does not love the Lord does not say what Paul says, "Come soon, Lord!" But the one who loves Him says, along with believers like the Apostle Paul and the Apostle John, "Amen! Come soon, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen." (1 Corinthians 16:23-24)
Join us tomorrow as we move on into Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth.
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