Year Two, October 13

Be Watchful, Stand Firm in the Faith1

We have already read 1 Corinthians 15, where the apostle Paul wrote those rich words about the  resurrection.2  He did not consider it at all improper to close his letter with a few words about “the collection.” To give our money to the poor or to the cause of Jesus, is one of the highest acts of worship, if it is done in a proper spirit. It is a deed of love that angels might envy our ability to do. Is it not marvelous that God lowers himself to receive a gift from those he created?

  

1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 6-24

1Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2On 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. (Setting something aside every week is a most healthy Christian practice. If we were to put a portion of our income into the offering plate every Lord’s day, we would always have money in hand to give to deserving causes.)

6And perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11So 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.

Timothy was young and therefore some might not give him the respect they should. It is pleasing to see how the apostle protects him and asks the church to treat him properly. The older members of the church should be sensitive for their younger brothers and sisters in Christ.

12Now 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. (He does not blame Apollos for declining his request, but puts a kind interpretation on his decision. Paul is sure that Apollos will visit them when he can. Always think the best you can of others.)

13Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14Let all that you do be done in love.

15Now 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-- 16be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

This would be one of the best cures for the problems that had harmed their church. Those who attempt to set up assemblies where everyone rules and no one submits are wrong.

17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.

19The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. (Not with a hollow kiss of hypocrisy or an unholy kiss of sensual pleasure. A shake of the hand is our western substitute for this kiss. A good hearty handshake is a warm sign of Christian fellowship.)

21I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. (To prevent forgers from pretending to be Paul, the apostle took the pen out of the writer’s hand, and wrote the last few lines himself.) 22If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! (or, Let him be accursed when the Lord comes.) 23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. (A sweet conclusion. He felt compelled to write sharply, but it was all in love. May love rule in this dear home.)

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¹ 1 Corinthians 16:13

² See Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible Year Two, August 5 and Year Two, August 6.