Bible Study 1 Corinthians 16:12-23

I can truly appreciate Paul’s closing comments as he closes out the 1st letter to the Corinthians. We know from 1 Corinthians 16:8 “8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.” We know that Paul was in Ephesus as he wrote this letter about three years following his time in Corinth.

I remind you of that background to appreciate the separation he experienced from the church. You have heard that “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” I pray that goes both ways. I appreciate you more having had time to remove myself a couple of weeks and I hope the same holds true for you.

We visited two churches on the two Sunday’s we were away from you. We visited First Baptist Hilton Head on June 1 and we visited First Baptist St. Simon’s Island on June 8th. I was offered an Associate Pastor role over recreational ministries at First Baptist Hilton Head ministering through golf, pickleball, and bicycling ministries and I accepted. Lol. Just kidding.

No seriously, as I think of these final words that Paul shares with the congregation, the timing could not be any better for me to fully appreciate his words.

Let’s read from 1 Cor. 16:12-23.

1 Corinthians 16:12–23 NKJV

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time. 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Prayer

Message

I title our study tonight simply, We are Community.

Ministry must be confidentially chosen rather than Coerced.

1 Corinthians 16:12 “12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.”

You may remember from our last time together that I ended with a discussion about Timothy.

1 Corinthians 16:10–11 “10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.”

We discussed that Paul saw a great gift in Young Timothy. He knew that he had good upbringing in the Lord from Eunice and Lois. He wanted him to be nurtured and allow him to grow and not be disillusioned in the ministry until he had matured to handle those types of matters. So, Paul is coaching the congregation as to how to support Paul, undergird Paul, pray for Paul, and encourage him when opportunities afford to do so.

What can you do to encourage your Pastor, your deacons, your leadership, your Life Group teacher, etc.?

Furthermore, you remember from the beginnings of our study that there were factions with in the church. Some followed Paul, others Apollos, and some Cephas. Paul was fearful that the congregation would see Timothy as a Pauline influence and create havoc for young Timothy. Whatever the reason, Paul wanted to be insured that Timothy was encouraged in ministry.

Now, knowing these factions were in place and there was an unhealthy draw toward one individual vs. another, we can only surmise that Apollos was frustrated that the church had taken these types of stances. Maybe he did not want to promote that mindset by coming prematurely as he might be promoting the competitive spirit.

Oh listen dear church, our roles in the church are not a competition, they complement one another.

1 Corinthians 1:12 “12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.””

1 Corinthians 3:4–6 “4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

God used each individual in a manner that one complemented what the other minister was doing. They build upon each other.

Charter Member of Eastdale Baptist Church

You can look back upon God’s perfect plan as to how He chose the men God would use to disciple the church.

Perry Neal-Evangelist-grew the numbers

Dr. Harold Bryson-New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary-wrote a book I used in seminary-taught or discipled the church.

Pat Mc Fadden-went on to the mission field (taught the church to be mission minded)

Wayne Burns-Organizer, great administrator, started a building program, started a daycare, started a radio ministry. Led in a building campaign.

Each pastor had a unique gift that grew the church both numerically, but spiritually.

Paul was saying that when we take sides or we follow one given leader over another leader that we are being carnal.

1 Corinthians 4:6 “6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.”

“I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos…” Paul is using himself and Apollos as illustrative examples. Even though they were prominent leaders, they did not see themselves as superior or in competition.

“…for your benefit, brothers…” Paul’s goal is pastoral: to teach humility and unity for their spiritual growth.

“…that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written…” This is the crux of the verse. Paul is urging them not to judge or act beyond the authority of Scripture. This likely refers to not adding personal preferences, status-based judgments, or speculative ideas that exceed the biblical teaching about humility, service, and unity.

“…that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.” The root issue: pride and partisan attitudes. Paul wants them to avoid arrogance that pits one believer against another.

“I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos…” Paul is using himself and Apollos as illustrative examples. Even though they were prominent leaders, they did not see themselves as superior or in competition.

“…for your benefit, brothers…” Paul’s goal is pastoral: to teach humility and unity for their spiritual growth.

“…that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written…” This is the crux of the verse. Paul is urging them not to judge or act beyond the authority of Scripture. This likely refers to not adding personal preferences, status-based judgments, or speculative ideas that exceed the biblical teaching about humility, service, and unity.

“…that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.” The root issue: pride and partisan attitudes. Paul wants them to avoid arrogance that pits one believer against another.

Key Theological Insights:

Scripture is the standard. We are not to go beyond what God has revealed in His Word.

Christian leaders are servants, not celebrities. Paul and Apollos were faithful stewards, not rival icons

Pride divides; humility unites. The Corinthians needed to drop their egos and cling to Christ, not human leaders.

Now in the bigger picture of things, I sense Apollos was sending a message about his coming that he was not going to be party to such behavior in the church.

Firstly, learn from this that Paul and Apollos are taking action in every way to teach the congregation that they serve the same God, they are on the same team, and they are serving the same purpose. Different gifts and talents? Sure. Possibly different ways to getting to the goal line? Sure, but they are after the same objective. Winning others to Christ.

Acts 18:24 “24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.”

Another truth we learn is that the person that is being called to minister must have a peace about what the Lord is calling them to do. When we brow beat or coerce, that is not of God and God will not honor it. I am not saying that method has never been used, but the manner in which we know God is right in the middle of the decision is they sense God wants them to do the job at hand.

A Commissioning to Instill Confidence

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 “13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.”

Community Reflections

1 Corinthians 16:15–18 NKJV

15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

As we read this section we can almost sense that Paul is writing closing words to guide the church. He shares of a defensive posture that is tantamount to walking in the Lord and we see some offensive measures that Paul reflects upon for the church to keep their minds stayed on.

1 Corinthians 1. General Exhortations (16:13–14)

The first four imperatives evoke the image of the soldier who is alert, steadfast, courageous, and strong in preparation for conflict. The commands “all reflect the kinds of things a general might say to his troops before they enter into battle

Firstly, let’s look at the defensive matters.

Watch-

Matthew 24:42 “42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”

We know that time and again Jesus shared parables and words of readiness for the coming of the Lord. We are to constantly consider who God has placed on our hearts that needs to know Him as Lord and Savior and spend the time to lead that person to Jesus. Time is of the essence. Time is fleeting.

Matthew 24:36–44 NKJV

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

We are to watch for anything that promotes or demotes the Lord’s influence in lives around us. There is a battle for your spouse. There is a battle everyday for your children and your grandchildren. There is a battle for the church member you love sitting right by you right now.

1 Peter 5:8 “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

You have heard to catch mole hills before they become mountains. There are things that happen about us that we are to watch that either deter or promote a movement of the Lord in our surroundings. We are to play the defensive or the offensive in being the hands and feet of Jesus in working on His behalf here on earth.

Stand fast in the Faith-notice what Paul doesn’t say. He did not tell them to stand fast in the leadership, stand fast in the budgets, tithes and offerings, He did not say to stand fast in the Pastor or the Deacons or your Sunday School teacher. But, to stand fast in the faith. Always ask yourself, WWJD?

Be Brave, be strong-be grown ups in the Lord. There prior actions had been childish.

Let all that you do be done with love-

1 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary (Schreiner) C. Exhortations (16:13–18)

Calls to strength and courage could be misinterpreted as diminishing the importance of love. The exhortation to toughness must never be interpreted as squelching tenderness and affection, nor should love be interpreted as mere sentimentality or softness, since it includes excommunicating someone in blatant sin

Complementing the Co-Laborers

1 Corinthians 16:15–18 NKJV

15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

Paul through the remainder of the chapter and the close of the letter enters into a complementing, encouraging tone toward the co-laborers and the other churches.

Firstly, he recognizes the household of Stephanus.

STEPHANAS, stefʹa-nas (Στεφανᾶς, Stephanás): The name occurs only in 1 Cor 1:16; 16:15–18. Stephanas was a Christian of Corinth; his household is mentioned in 1 Cor 16:15 as the first family won to Christ in Achaia, and in 1 Cor 1:16 as among the few personally baptized by Paul at Corinth. The “house of Stephanas,” apparently of independent means…

Paul is fulfilling a dual role here in being and encourager and offering an example of proper offensive actions in ministry. Firstly, we all need to hear encouragement from each other as it relates to ministry. He firstly exercises this behavior with the household of Stephanas, but further with Fortunatus, and Achaicus. He stated in verse 17, I was glad about there coming and that which was lacking they supplied.

Let’s practice this exercise for a moment. And I want everyone of us to brainstorm something of a complementing and genuine nature of a gift a person in this room exercises for the ministry to the congregation at large.

1 Corinthians 16:19–20 “19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.”

-We are not a competition. We are of the same community. We complement each other. Do we think like that ? Do we find ourselves jealous or envious that we do not have the number of people they have, the facilities they have, the budget they work with, the youth they have, the talent they have, etc. ?

“All the brethren greet you. Greet you with a holy kiss.”

Interpret that text for a moment if you will. What does that verse mean?

Oh dear brother and sister, we need to love each other, love on each other, not from an erotic type love, but a “Holy” love.

Oh that we would learn to love, because God is love and people will know the Lord when we love each other.