1 Corinthians 16

INtro

Cf trying to leave Kiim’s family--

overflow thoughs

just before kids go off to camp—say please & thank you, change underwear—ALL I WANT YOU TO REMEMBER in a moment

1 Corinthians 16:1–24 ESV

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. 5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity. 13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love. 15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. 19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

1co 16:1-

Practical Concerns

vv1-4

connection w/ other letters—2co, Ro, Gal, Acts?

Systematic approach to faith practices

Planning is part of faithfulness

Two qualities—generosity and responsibility—extend out of previous chapter

systematic, shared,

Personal Concerns

5-12

travel plans

heart for ministry (in ephesus) (open door + opposition—both argue for him to stay with it)

relational issues--

be nice to Timothy

Apollos isn’t ready to be there just yet (strong feelings in both the ask and the answer—see consequences to issues, and get that it’s not just Paul—and that Paul isn’t trying to come between them, but that he and Apollos are together in this letter’s sentiment)

(Apollos was preferrable to some—not just re: faction, but golden-tongued)

Spiritual Concerns—the character of faith

13-14

be watchful- awareness

be firm in the faith (not simply faith but THE faith—don’t lose teh true faith)

PLay the man- stand in conviction (don’t waver) (Cf Buship Ridley and Hugh Latimer—1555)

“Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England as I trust shall never be put out.”

Ridley was from noble family—knights

came in full dress clothes—gave away—then bound w chains...

Latimer dead soon b/c wind his way—Ridley suffered long b/c wind at Latimer, legs burned off, never yelled out, family feels sorrow throws more logs on, makes problem worse (issue os smothered flame), guard finally can tell and rakes top wood off—soon dies

Be powerful (kratos)

Do all in love

Communal Concerns

15-18

Honor authority

keep church oriented to what it’s all about

What comes from it

historyicity

life reconstruction

referential clarity

heart

Apply in particular

we recieve in general