Bible Commentaries

Now concerning the collection for the saints (περι δε της λογιας της εις τους αγιους — peri de tēs logias tēs eis tous hagious). Paul has discussed all the problems raised by the Corinthians. Now he has on his own heart the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (see chapters 2 Corinthians 8; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15). This word λογια — logia (or εια — ̇eia) is now known to be derived from a late verb λογευω — logeuō to collect, recently found in papyri and inscriptions (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 143). The word λογια — logia is chiefly found in papyri, ostraca, and inscriptions that tell of religious collections for a god or a temple (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 105). The introduction of this topic may seem sudden, but the Corinthians were behind with their part of it. They may even have asked further about it. Paul feels no conflict between discussion of the resurrection and the collection.

Upon the first day of the week (κατα μιαν σαββατου — kata mian sabbatou). For the singular σαββατου — sabbatou (sabbath) for week see note on Luke 18:12 and note on Mark 16:9. For the use of the cardinal μιαν — mian in sense of ordinal πρωτην — prōtēn after Hebrew fashion in lxx (Robertson, Grammar, p. 672) as in Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; Acts 20:7. Distributive use of κατα — kata also.

Lay by him in store (παρ εαυτωι τιτετω τησαυριζων — par' heautōi tithetō thēsaurizōn). By himself, in his home. Treasuring it (cf. Matthew 6:19. for τησαυριζω — thēsaurizō). Have the habit of doing it, τιτετω — tithetō (present imperative).

As he may prosper (οτι εαν ευοδωται — hoti ean euodōtai). Old verb from ευ — eu well, and οδος — hodos way or journey, to have a good journey, to prosper in general, common in lxx. In N.T. only here and Romans 1:10; 3 John 1:2. It is uncertain what form ευοδωται — euodōtai is, present passive subjunctive, perfect passive indicative, or even perfect passive subjunctive (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 54). The old MSS. had no accents. Some MSS. even have ευοδωτηι — euodōthēi (first aorist passive subjunctive). But the sense is not altered. οτι — Hoti is accusative of general reference and εαν — ean can occur either with the subjunctive or indicative. This rule for giving occurs also in 2 Corinthians 8:12. Paul wishes the collections to be made before he comes.

When I arrive (οταν παραγενωμαι — hotan paragenōmai). Whenever I arrive, indefinite temporal conjunction οταν — hotan and second aorist middle subjunctive.

Whomsoever ye shall approve by letters (ους εαν δοκιμασητε δι επιστολων — hous ean dokimasēte di' epistolōn). Indefinite relative with εαν — ean and aorist subjunctive of δοκιμαζω — dokimazō (to test and so approve as in Philemon 1:10). “By letters” to make it formal and regular and Paul would approve their choice of messengers to go with him to Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:20.). Curiously enough no names from Corinth occur in the list in Acts 20:4.

To carry (απενεγκειν — apenegkein). Second aorist active infinitive of αποπερω — apopherō to bear away.

Bounty (χαριν — charin). Gift, grace, as in 2 Corinthians 8:4-7. As a matter of fact, the messengers of the churches (αποστολοι εκκλησιων — apostoloi ekklēsiōn 2 Corinthians 8:23) went along with Paul to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4.).

And if it be meet for me to go also (εαν δε αχιον ηι του καμε πορευεσται — ean de axion ēi tou kame poreuesthai). “If the collection be worthy of the going as to me also.” Condition of third class (εανηι — eaṅ̇ēi) and the articular infinitive in the genitive (του — tou) after αχιον — axion The accusative of general reference (καμε — kame me also) with the infinitive. So the awkward phrase clears up.

When I shall have passed through Macedonia (οταν Μακεδονιαν διελτω — hotan Makedonian dielthō). “Whenever I pass through (second aorist active subjunctive of διερχομαι — dierchomai) Macedonia” (see construction in 1 Corinthians 16:3).

I do pass through (διερχομαι — dierchomai). I plan to pass through, futuristic use of present indicative.

It may be (τυχον — tuchon). Neuter accusative of second aorist active participle of τυγχανω — tugchanō used as an adverb (in Plato and Xenophon, but nowhere else in N.T.).

Or even winter (η και παραχειμασω — ē kai paracheimasō). Future active of late verb παραχειμαζω — paracheimazō (χειμων — cheimōn winter). See note on Acts 27:12; note on Acts 28:11; and note on Titus 3:12. He did stay in Corinth for three months (Acts 20:3), probably the coming winter.

Whithersoever I go (ου εαν πορευωμαι — hou ean poreuōmai). Indefinite local clause with subjunctive. As a matter of fact, Paul had to flee from a conspiracy in Corinth (Acts 20:3).

Now by the way (αρτι εν παροδωι — arti en parodōi). Like our “by the way” (παροδος — parodos), incidentally.

If the Lord permit (εαν ο Κυριος επιτρεπσηι — ean ho Kurios epitrepsēi). Condition of the third class. Paul did everything εν Κυριωι — en Kuriōi (Cf. Acts 18:21).

Until Pentecost (εως της Πεντηκοστης — heōs tēs Pentēkostēs). He writes them in the spring before pentecost. Apparently the uproar by Demetrius hurried Paul away from Ephesus (Acts 20:1).

For a great and effectual door is opened unto me (τυρα γαρ μοι ανεωιγεν μεγαλη και ενεργης — thura gar moi aneōigen megalē kai energēs). Second perfect active indicative of ανοιγω — anoigō to open. Intransitive, stands wide open at last after his years there (Acts 20:31). A wide open door. What does he mean by ενεργης — energēs It is a late word in the Koiné. In the papyri a medical receipt has it for “tolerably strong.” The form ενεργος — energos in the papyri is used of a mill “in working order,” of “tilled land,” and of “wrought iron.” In the N.T. it occurs in Philemon 1:6; Hebrews 4:12 of “the word of God” as “ενεργης — energēs ” (powerful). Paul means that he has at least a great opportunity for work in Ephesus.

And there are many adversaries (και αντικειμενοι πολλοι — kai antikeimenoi polloi). “And many are lying opposed to me,” lined up against me. These Paul mentions as a reason for staying in, not for leaving, Ephesus. Read Acts 19 and see the opposition from Jews and Gentiles with the explosion under the lead of Demetrius. And yet Paul suddenly leaves. He hints of much of which we should like to know more (1 Corinthians 15:32; 2 Corinthians 1:8.).

That he be without fear (ινα αποβως γενηται — hina aphobōs genētai). Evidently he had reason to fear the treatment that Timothy might receive in Corinth as shown in 1 Corinthians 4:17-21.

For I expect him (εκδεχομαι γαρ αυτον — ekdechomai gar auton). Apparently later Timothy had to return to Ephesus without much success before Paul left and was sent on to Macedonia with Erastus (Acts 19:22) and Titus sent to Corinth whom Paul then arranged to meet in Troas (2 Corinthians 2:12).

And it was not at all his will to come now (και παντως ουκ ην τελημα ινα νυν ελτηι — kai pantōs ouk ēn thelēma hina nun elthēi). Adversative use of και — kai = “but.” Apollos had left Corinth in disgust over the strife there which involved him and Paul (1 Corinthians 1-4). He had had enough of partisan strife over preachers.

Watch ye (γρηγορειτε — grēgoreite). Stay awake. Late present from εγρηγορα — egrēgora second perfect of εγειρω — egeirō to awake.

Quit you like men (ανδριζεστε — andrizesthe). Play the man. Middle voice, show yourselves men. From ανηρ — anēr a man.

Ye know (οιδατε — oidate). Koiné{[28928]}š form for second perfect indicative used as present of οραω — horaō Parenthetic clause through rest of the verse. Stephanas is mentioned also in 1 Corinthians 1:16 and in 1 Corinthians 16:17. For απαρχη — aparchē see note on 1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Corinthians 15:23.

They have set themselves (εταχαν εαυτους — etaxan heautous). Remarkable statement worthy of attention today. This noble family appointed themselves to be ministers to the saints that needed it (the poor and needy). Personal work for Christ is still the only way to win the world for Christ, voluntary personal work. If all Christians did it!

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That ye also be in subjection unto such (ινα και υμεις υποτασσηστε τοις τοιουτοις — hina kai humeis hupotassēsthe tois toioutois). This is the exhortation begun in 1 Corinthians 16:15. The family of Stephanas took the lead in good works. Do ye also follow such leaders. This is our great problem today, to find great leaders and many loyal followers. This would solve all church problems, great leadership and great following. Lend a hand.

At the coming (επι τηι παρουσιαι — epi tēi parousiāi). At the coming here of Stephanas, etc., the very word used of the παρουσια — parousia of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:23).

That which was lacking on your part they supplied (το υμετερον υστερημα ουτοι ανεπληρωσαν — to humeteron husterēma houtoi aneplērōsan). Either “these filled up my lack of you” or “these filled up your lack of me.” Either makes perfectly good sense and both were true. Which Paul meant we cannot tell.

For they refreshed my spirit and yours (ανεπαυσαν γαρ το εμον πνευμα και το υμων — anepausan gar to emon pneuma kai to humōn). They did both. The very verb used by Jesus in Matthew 11:28 for the refreshment offered by him to those who come to him, fellowship with Jesus, and here fellowship with each other.

The churches of Asia (αι εκκλησιαι της Ασιας — hai ekklēsiai tēs Asias). True of the Roman province (Acts 10:10, Acts 10:26; Colossians 1:6; Colossians 2:1; Colossians 4:13, Colossians 4:16). The gospel spread rapidly from Ephesus.

With the church that is in their house (συν τηι κατ οικον αυτων εκκλησιαι — sun tēi kat' oikon autōn ekklēsiāi). Paul had long ago left the synagogue for the school house of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9). But Aquila and Prisca opened their house here for the services. The churches had to meet where they could. Paul had laboured and lived with this family in Corinth (Acts 18:2) and now again in Ephesus (Acts 18:19; Acts 20:34). It was their habit wherever they lived (Romans 16:5).

With a holy kiss (εν πιληματι αγιωι — en philēmati hagiōi). In the synagogue men kissed men and women kissed women. This was the Christian custom at a later date and apparently so here. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:26; note on 2 Corinthians 13:12; Romans 3:8; 1 Peter 5:14. It seems never to have been promiscuous between the sexes.

Of me Paul with mine own hand (τηι εμηι χειρι Παυλου — tēi emēi cheiri Paulou). Literally, “With the hand of me Paul.” The genitive Παυλου — Paulou is in apposition with the possessive pronoun εμηι — emēi which is in the instrumental case just as in 2 Thessalonians 3:17, the sign in every Epistle. He dictated, but signed at the end. If we only had that signature on that scrap of paper.

Ανατεμα — Anathema The word seems a bit harsh to us, but the refusal to love Christ (ου πιλει — ou philei) on the part of a nominal Christian deserves ανατεμα — anathema (see note on 1 Corinthians 12:3 for this word). Μαραν ατα — Maran atha This Aramaic phrase means “Our Lord (μαραν — maran) cometh (ατα — atha)” or, used as a proleptic perfect, “has come.” It seems to be a sort of watchword (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:14.; James 5:7.; Philemon 4:5; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 22:20), expressing the lively hope that the Lord will come. It was a curious blunder in the King James Version that connected Μαραν ατα — Maran atha with Ανατεμα — Anathema