1 Corinthians 16:1-8

 

1 Cor 16:1 (KJV)
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

Paul is now turning to other matters in the church since most of the big situations have now been handled. Paul now tells them that when he arrives at this church, he wants them to set aside a collection of money for the other churches. He did this in Galatia and he is now ordaining a collection from the Corinthian church. (Gal 2:10 KJV) Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. This is a good practice to follow for every church. Some of the collected funds should be put aside to help other churches, individual ministries, or Christians in need.

 

1 Cor 16:2 (KJV)

 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

As the gathering of the Saints happens every Sabbath, then according to how God has prospered a person, they should be willing to give a portion to send with Paul when he arrives in Corinth. He wants them to have the money ready and waiting for him, so there will be no waiting when he arrives, because there were pressing needs at the church in Jerusalem. As God blesses a person, they should be ready and willing to bless others, since it is God who allows Christians to prosper.
 

1 Cor 16:3 (KJV)
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

Here the Apostle Paul is having this church appoint a courier to bring the money to Jerusalem. A great principle here is that the Lord’s money can only be entrusted to a an honest, reputable person. Too much money today falls into the hands of false teachers which is like giving it to a thief. Any inkling of mismanagement of funds can bring a great commotion into any assembly and Satan will use that to cause a split in the church.

 

1 Cor 16:4 (KJV)
And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

The Apostle Paul is stating that when they choose the person to carry the gift to Jerusalem, then if Paul also is going to Jerusalem then they can travel together. In ancient times if anyone carried large sums of money, there were always robbers who waited on the roads to attack unsuspecting people and steal everything they had and this is why people traveled in companies. Plus, if Paul went with the person, it would also allay any fears that the person they chose might abscond with the gift.

 

1 Cor 16:5 (KJV)
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

Paul was in Macedonia and was going to visit Corinth but his timing was uncertain as to when he would arrive. This would also keep the Corinthian church on its toes, not knowing exactly when the Apostle Paul would show up at their door. In 1 Corinthians 4:18-19, Paul was not certain that he would be able to visit, but by time he got to the end of the letter, he was now certain. It is a principle for us too, that we need to be ready when the Lord Jesus returns, as we do not know exactly when His return is. We know He said He is coming back, but the timing is in God’s hands.
 

1 Cor 16:6 (KJV)
And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

Instead of just a short visit, Paul would probably stay the winter with them. Acts 20:1-3 may be the verses which show us that he did finally winter there. He also told the church, that when Springtime came, the church would be able to give him the supplies that he needed to journey wherever the Lord would dispatch him. Normally, the winter time is when travel was suspended owing to the cold and normally impassable roads which, of course, were all dirt roads, and made travel impossible, especially if there was any inclement weather. To help a person in a missionary endeavor is the highest calling a Christian can have, even if they are unable to go to the field themselves, they are partaking of their ministry.
 

1 Cor 16:7 (KJV)
For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

(James 4:15 KJV) For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. Paul always would think in terms of the Lord permitting him to go here or there. The Lord had a plan of church planting and it was not Paul’s decision where he went. Paul’s immediate journey did not bring him to Corinth, but he was trusting that the Lord would allow him an extended visit.
 

1 Cor 16:8 (KJV)
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

At present, Paul had chosen to remain at Ephesus until Pentecost. Pentecost was one of the three main Jewish festivals which was now null and void because of the sacrifice of Christ. However, Paul did not want to celebrate it, instead he knew that there would be thousands celebrating the feast and he would be able to bring the gospel witness to many.

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