The doctrinal part of this Epistle was closed at the end of 1 Corinthians 15; see the introduction. Before closing the Epistle, Paul adverts to some subjects of a miscellaneous nature, and particularly to the subject of a collection for the poor and persecuted Christians in Judea, on which his heart... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW CONCERNING THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS - The use of the article here shows that he had mentioned it to them before, and that it was a subject which they would readily understand. It was not new to them, but it was needful only to give some instructions in regard to the manner in which it shoul... [ Continue Reading ]
UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK - Greek, “On one of the Sabbaths.” The Jews, however, used the word Sabbath to denote the week; the period of seven days; Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:9; Luke 18:12; Luke 24:1; John 20:1, John 20:19; compare Leviticus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:9. It is universally agreed [ Continue Reading ]
WHOMSOEVER YE SHALL APPROVE BY YOUR LETTERS - There has been great variety of opinion in regard to the proper construction of this verse. Macknight supposes that the “letters” here referred to were not letters either to or from the apostle, but letters signed and sent by the congregation at Corinth,... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IF IT BE MEET ... - If it be judged desirable and best. If my presence can further the object; or will satisfy you better; or will be deemed necessary to guide and aid those who may be sent, I will be willing to go also. For some appropriate and valuable remarks in regard to the apostle Paul’s m... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW I WILL COME UNTO YOU - I purpose to come unto you. He had expected to see them on his way to Macedonia, but, on some account, had been induced to abandon that design. See the notes at 2 Corinthians 1:15. WHEN I SHALL PASS THROUGH MACEDONIA - When I shall have passed through Macedonia. He propos... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT YE MAY BRING ME ON MY JOURNEY - That you may accompany me, or aid me, and furnish me the means of going on my journey. It was customary for the apostles to be attended by some members of the churches and friends in their travels. See the note at Acts 10:23. ON MY JOURNEY ... - Probably to Jude... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR I WILL NOT SEE YOU NOW BY THE WAY - On the way to Macedonia. Something had occurred to change his mind, and to induce him to go to Macedonia by another way. BUT I TRUST TO TARRY A WHILE WITH YOU - That is, on my return from Macedonia, 1 Corinthians 16:5. Greek, “I hope to remain with you a litt... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I WILL TARRY AT EPHESUS - This passage proves that this letter was written from Ephesus. It is by such indications as this usually that we are able to determine the place where the Epistles were written. In regard to the situation of Ephesus, see the note on Acts 18:19. UNTIL PENTECOST - This wa... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR A GREAT DOOR - There is abundant opportunity for usefulness. The word “door” is used evidently to denote an occasion or an opportunity for doing anything. It is the means by which we have entrance or access; and hence denotes facility in doing anything when there is no obstruction; see Acts 14:2... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW IF TIMOTHEUS COME - Paul had sent Timothy to them (see the note at 1 Corinthians 4:17), but as he had many churches to visit, it was not absolutely certain that he would go to Corinth. MAY BE WITH YOU WITHOUT FEAR - Let him be received kindly and affectionately. Timothy was then a young man; Act... [ Continue Reading ]
LET NO MAN, THEREFORE, DESPISE HIM - Let no one despise him on account of his youth and inexperience. It is probable that some of the more wealthy and proud, some who valued themselves on their wisdom and experience, would be disposed to look upon him with contempt. On another occasion, he directed... [ Continue Reading ]
AS TOUCHING OUR BROTHER APOLLOS - Tyndale renders this, “To speak of brother Apollo.” In regard to Apollos, see the note at 1 Corinthians 1:12. HIS WILL WAS NOT AT ALL TO COME AT THIS TIME - It is probable that there were matters which detained him, or which required his presence in Ephesus. It is n... [ Continue Reading ]
WATCH YE - The exhortation in this and the following verse is given evidently in view of the special dangers and temptations which surrounded them. The word used here (Γρηγορεῖτε Grēgoreite) means, to keep awake, to be vigilant, etc.; and this may, perhaps, be a military metaphor derived from the... [ Continue Reading ]
LET ALL YOUR THINGS ... - All that you do. This direction is repeated on account of its great importance, and because it is a summing up of all that he had said in this Epistle; see 1 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Corinthians 14:1. Here he says, that charity, or love, was to regulate all that they did. This w... [ Continue Reading ]
I BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN - The construction here is somewhat involved, but the sense is plain. The words, “I beseech you,” in this verse, are evidently to be taken in connection with 1 Corinthians 16:16, “I beseech you that ye submit yourselves unto such,” etc. The design is to exhort them to pay pro... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT YE SUBMIT YOURSELVES ... - The word used here means evidently that you would show them proper deference and regard; that you would treat them with distinguished respect and honor for what they have done. AND TO EVERYONE THAT HELPETH WITH US ... - Everyone who aids us in the ministry, or provid... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM GLAD OF THE COMING - That is, I am glad that they have come to me at Ephesus. I rejoice that he who was converted by my ministry in Achaia, and who has so long shown himself to be a personal friend to me, and an aid in my work, came where I am. STEPHANAS - The same person evidently mentioned i... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THEY HAVE REFRESHED MY SPIRIT - By their presence and conversation. They have given me information respecting the state of things in the church; and their society has been with me of the most gratifying and cheering kind. AND YOURS - “By removing,” says Locke, “those suspicions and fears that we... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CHURCHES OF ASIA - The word “Asia” in the New Testament usually denotes Asia Minor in general; see the note on Acts 2:9. It was sometimes used in a more limited sense, to denote the region around Ephesus, and of which Ephesus was the center and capital; see note, Acts 16:6. This is the region un... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THE BRETHREN ... - All the Christians with whom Paul was connected in Ephesus. They felt a deep interest in the church at Corinth, and sent to them Christian salutations. “With a holy kiss; see the note on Romans 16:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SALUTATION OF ME, PAUL, WITH MINE OWN HAND - It is evident that Paul was accustomed to employ an amanuensis (copyist) in penning his epistles (see the note on Romans 16:22), though he signed his own name, and expressed his Christian salutation in every epistle, 2 Thessalonians 3:17; compare Colo... [ Continue Reading ]
IF ANY MAN LOVE NOT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST - This is a most solemn and affecting close of the whole epistle. It was designed to direct them to the great and essential matter of religion, the love of the Lord Jesus; and was intended, doubtless, to turn away their minds from the subjects which had agit... [ Continue Reading ]
THE GRACE ... - See the note at Romans 16:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN CHRIST JESUS - Through Christ Jesus; or in connection with your love to him; that is, as Christians. This is an expression of tender regard to them as Christian brethren; of his love for the church; and his earnest desire for their welfare. It is in accordance with the usual manner in which he cl... [ Continue Reading ]