Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Corinthians 16:3

δι' ἐπιστολῶν. Most modern editors punctuate so as to connect δι' ἐπιστολῶν with what follows. So Chrysostom, and also Wiclif. St Paul would give letters of commendation (cf. Acts 18:27; Romans 16:1; 2 Corinthians 3:1) to the bearers of the Corinthian contribution. The A.V., following the Vulgate and Tyndale, connects the words with δοκιμάσητε. It is worthy of notice (1) that while on matters of grave moment St Paul gives authoritative directions to the Churches he has founded, on matters of lesser consequence he prefers to leave them free to govern themselves; and also (2) that as Chrysostom remarks, he is very anxious to avoid even the possibility of a charge of dishonesty in money matters, and therefore he will not undertake the custody of the money himself. Cf. ch. 1 Corinthians 9:18-19; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9; 2 Corinthians 12:16-18.

χάριν. Grace. As Estius says, St Paul studiously refrains from using the word alms.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Corinthians 16:3

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