Paul instructs the Corinthians concerning the collection for the saints, directing them to set aside funds regularly and intentionally on the first day of every week so that the offering may be ready when he comes.
1 Corinthians 16:1-4
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.
2 On the first day of every week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.
3 When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
Paul outlines his travel intentions, hoping to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia and possibly remain for some time. He explains his present stay in Ephesus because a great door for effective work has opened, though many adversaries remain. He also gives instructions concerning Timothy and mentions Apollos.
1 Corinthians 16:5-9
5 But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.
6 But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
1 Corinthians 16:10-12
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
12 Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.
Paul gives a cluster of urgent exhortations: be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and let everything be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
13 Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Paul urges the Corinthians to recognize and submit to the household of Stephanas and others like them who have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. He commends these workers for refreshing his spirit and theirs.
1 Corinthians 16:15-18
15 Now I beg you, brothers—you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints—
16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
Paul closes with greetings from the churches of Asia, from Aquila and Prisca and the church in their house, and from the brothers. He adds a holy kiss greeting, writes a personal closing with his own hand, pronounces a severe word on those who do not love the Lord, invokes the coming of the Lord, and ends with grace and love.
1 Corinthians 16:19-20
19 The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.
20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
1 Corinthians 16:21-24
21 This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.
22 If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.