1 Corinthians 16
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%2016&version=NIV
16:1–4 The collection to which Paul referred (16:1) was for the believers in Jerusalem (Acts 24:17) who had endured famine and extensive persecution. Paul had instructed the churches of Galatia similarly on his first journey through that region (Gal. 2:10).
16:5–9 The groundwork for some of the problems in 2 Corinthians resulted from this change of travel plans (2 Cor. 1:15–24). Paul’s new plan was to travel from Ephesus across the Aegean to Macedonia, and then travel on to Corinth, where he planned to spend the winter. Paul planned to remain at Ephesus until Pentecost, when travel on the Mediterranean would be safe once again (see note on Acts 27:9).
16:10–12 Although Paul encouraged Apollos (cf. Acts 18:24–19:1) to go to Corinth, the eloquent Alexandrian Jewish believer did not desire to do so at the time. Apollos’s decision may have been based on the leadership problems in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12).
16:13–18 Paul touched on the key elements mentioned here elsewhere in his letter: be on guard (16:13), love (16:14), and be in subjection (16:15–18). Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (16:17) may have brought Paul the letter from Corinth to which he was making this reply (7:1).
16:19–24 The words “holy kiss” (16:20) was an expression of Christian love and fellowship by a kiss on the cheek. In the words of Augustine,
Then, after the consecration of the Holy Sacrifice of God, because He wished us also to be His sacrifice, a fact which was made clear when the Holy Sacrifice was first instituted, and because that Sacrifice is a sign of what we are, behold, when the Sacrifice is finished, we say the Lord's Prayer which you have received and recited. After this, the 'Peace be with you’ is said, and the Christians embrace one another with the holy kiss. This is a sign of peace; as the lips indicate, let peace be made in your conscience, that is, when your lips draw near to those of your brother, do not let your heart withdraw from his. Hence, these are great and powerful sacraments.
The personal hand-written note from Paul (16:21–24) again returns to the overall theme of the letter and Paul’s life—love for the Lord.
Discussion question
In reflecting on 1 Corinthians, what impacted you the most?
Reflection question
read verse 13 and reflect on how you can apply this powerful verse in your life?
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I believe Verses 6 & 7. What a difference from those verses to our culture today. Don't do that, I will sue you type of thing. The sexual innuendos of tv and magazines. This reminds me that I need to do a better job of screening my tv viewing.
ReplyDeleteIn looking at all of 1 Corinthians, Chaptr 13 is my favorite. It reminds us of the impact of consistently acting in a loving way. In looking at Chapter 16, Verse 13 has quite an impact. Well isn't that interesting!
ReplyDeletejeanie
ReplyDeleteI will say that I am drawn to what 1Cor.16-13 says to me .Be on your guard,I must always be on guard in order to keep on the right path to the cross. There are so many stumbling blocks along that road. Stand firm in the Faith. I must keep my faith level up ,it is my shield . Faith keeps me strong. Be a person of courage. That is what I try to do every day. The question might be where to apply my courage that my faith provides me.
Do everything in love. What a challenge. It
can be harder that on might think. I do try to remember to walk in love.However I have to keep in God's Word to do my best in this area of my life.