Bible Commentaries

About the money. During his eighteen months at Corinth, Paul had asked the brothers to help the poor in Judea, as he also asked the other Gentile churches. Money was taken to Judea more than once. Compare Acts 11:28-30; Acts 24:17 and notes. You must do. We do not have all the letters Paul wrote, but we do have the message from God in the form He intends us to have it (2 Timothy 3:16). Since Paul told the churches in Galatia to raise money in this way, this must have been the "standard practice."

Every Sunday. Sunday was the "Lord's Day," and the church would meet to worship God on that day. Compare note on Acts 20:7. [Some calendars show Monday as the "first day of the week," but this is not correct.] Put aside some money. MacKnight writes: "On the first day of every week, let each of you lay somewhat by itself, suitable to the gains of the preceding week, putting it into the appointed treasury." In proportion. Under the Law, a fixed percentage was required. In Christ's church, it is YOU WHO decide the percentage (2 Corinthians 9:7). So that there will be no need. This implies the existence of a common treasury. When Paul comes, the money will be already collected and waiting for him.

After I come. Note the Corinthians were to choose their own men to take this gift to Jerusalem. MacKnight thinks the letters of introduction were written by the church at Corinth. Since the money would be all in coins, it would take a number of people to transport it.

4. If it seems worthwhile. Paul did go. Compare 2 Corinthians 8:23; 2 Corinthians 9:4; Acts 19:21; Acts 20:3; Acts 24:17.

5. After I have gone through Macedonia. He probably writes in the spring, I will go through Macedonia to pick up the collections from the churches there, and spend the winter at Corinth. See Acts 20:2-3.

And then you can help me. See 2 Corinthians 1:16.

I hope to spend. He wanted to spend enough time to help them solve some problems. If the Lord allows. The first Christians always spoke about future action in these terms. Compare James 4:15 and note.

Until the day of Pentecost. Pentecost came in late spring.

There is a real opportunity here. Paul stayed at Ephesus three years (Acts 20:31). God gave him great success in bringing people to Christ (see Acts ch 19). Even though. The Devil works through men to oppose the Good News! A riot finally forced Paul to leave Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41).

If Timothy. Paul was sending him (1 Corinthians 4:17). To make him feel welcome. Timothy was young, probably in his early twenties at this time (compare note on Acts 16:1).

No one is to look down on him. Compare 1 Timothy 4:12. The false teacher and his party might be expected to do just this. But you must help him. This was the way they did it. Compare 2 Corinthians 1:16.

Now, about brother Apollos. He is with Paul. The Latin commentators think Apollos had given up the false teacher and his party as hopeless! Even though the letter from Corinth showed things were not so bad, Apollos still did not want to return at this time.

Be alert. "You have as your opponents false teachers, persecutors, and evil spirits. It is important that you act like a soldier on duty: firm, brave, strong."

Do all your work in love. Love is the AUTHENTICATOR! See notes on Revelation 2:4-5. It would also have prevented many of the problems which plagued the church at Corinth.

Stephanas and his family. These people are good examples of what he has said in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. See note on 1 Corinthians 1:16.

To follow the leadership. "A congregation is as strong as its most spiritual members." The spiritually mature are to give leadership to the spiritual immature. Compare Ephesians 4:11-15.

I am happy. Some think this Stephanas is the son of the one in 1 Corinthians 16:15. These three must have brought Paul the letter mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:1.

And have cheered me up. By bringing news of the Corinthians. Deserve notice. This repeats the advice of 1 Corinthians 16:16. See also 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

The churches. Paul is in constant contact with the churches through his evangelists such as Timothy. He passes on their greetings in his letter. Aquila and Priscilla, They were former members of the church at Corinth (Acts 18:2; Acts 18:18), who were now with Paul. And the church. See notes on Romans 16:5; Romans 16:23.

All the brothers. The Christians at Ephesus. MacKnight thinks brother was used to identify a preacher (1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 2:13) and that Paul is sending greetings from the preaching brothers at Ephesus. With a brotherly kiss. See note on Romans 16:16.

With my own hand I write this. Paul signed his letters to show they were genuine. One of his associates did the actual writing (Romans 16:22). 2 Thessalonians 2:2 implies that some counterfeit letters were being circulated in his name.

Whoever does not love the Lord. MacKnight writes: "If any one professing the gospel, love not the Lord Jesus Christ, I with my own hand write this greatest curse against him." Maranatha. This is in Aramaic, and means: Our Lord, come! First century Christians ended their prayers with these words. The gospel says Jesus will Come Again! Compare Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16; James 5:7-9; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 22:20.

The grace. His final greeting. Compare 2 Corinthians 13:13. He assures them of his love for them (since he has scolded them strongly).