1 Corinthians 16

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.

⁵ 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 with you, or even winter with you, 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.

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, but it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.

¹³ Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!

¹⁴ Let all that you do be done in love.

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.

¹⁹ The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly 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.

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.

Around 1 Corinthians 16

Context

Context for this book is being written. A note appears here only once it names its sources.

AI explanation

1 Corinthians 16 · Written by an AI model · Not reviewed by a theological reader

This explanation was written by an AI model to help you get started. It names no sources and can contain mistakes. Scripture comes first, and context with sources is shown separately on this page.

What this chapter says

After the great argument of chapter 15, the letter comes down to earth, and the details are warm. Paul first speaks about a collection for the saints in Jerusalem. On the first day of every week each should set aside something as they prosper, so that nothing needs to be gathered in a rush when he arrives. Those the church approves will carry the gift.

He shares his plans. He will pass through Macedonia, perhaps winter with them, and for now stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, “for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” He asks them to welcome Timothy without fear, and reports that Apollos is not yet ready to come.

Then a short charge: “Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!” And: “Let all that you do be done in love.” He commends the household of Stephanas and sends greetings. He signs with his own hand and ends with the cry “Come, Lord!”

Background

The collection for Jerusalem was important to Paul, and he writes about it in several letters (see Romans 15 and 2 Corinthians 8 and 9). This chapter gives a small window into daily life in early churches, with their travelers, hosts and house gatherings. Some Christians have taken the first day of the week in verse 2 as a sign that believers met for worship on that day. The Aramaic phrase behind “Come, Lord” appears here in Greek letters in many ancient copies and is an early prayer for Christ’s return.

About this explanation

Written by Claude Sonnet 5.5, an AI model, on 16 October 2026. It draws on the WEB text and general knowledge and was not checked against sources by a person. Every quotation from Scripture is checked automatically against the WEB text.

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World English Bible. Public-domain source and edition notes