Take Two: 1 Corinthians 16, Proverbs 2

Chapter 16 closes out the letter to the Corinthians in the style that was common for correspondence for the day. It contains some final thoughts and a list of greetings.

In 1 Cor 16:1-4, we see that Paul gave instruction for the "missions" offering. He instructed the Corinthians to give on the first of every week (systematically). We can infer from this that it was customary for the church to come together anyway at the first of every week (Sunday) for a regular time of assembly. They were accustomed to giving an offering to the Lord whenever they came...so Paul instructed them to give also for the "Jerusalem Offering" at that time. This offering was to be collected (likely by the church leadership or a designee) until Paul arrived when he would dispatch a representative to Jerusalem with it (1 Cor 16:3). This offering for the work in Jerusalem (missions) was to meet the need of the saints there and was intended to be participated in by everyone (1 Cor 16:2). The practical reason for giving every week...rather than waiting until Paul arrived was so that the need would be met. It kept the gift PROPORTIONATE to the ability of the church and provided a supply that was greater than would have been available had they waited and written a check at the last minute. (Now if you attend church where I serve as pastor...the Acts 1:8 offering makes a little more sense to you now....maybe.)

In 1 Cor 16:5-9 we see that Paul desires to come to Corinth and remain there for a while...but presently he is working in Ephesus because the Holy Spirit has provided a great opportunity for ministry there. [Note: When you find where God is at work...join Him there...even if you had other plans in mind.]

In 1 Cor 16:10-12 we see instructions concerning Timothy and Apollos.

1 Cor 16:13 struck me in an unusual way. As a closing exhortation...in a very succinct way...Paul tells the church: Be watchful (i.e. vigilant, awake, aware of your surroundings), stand firm in the faith (be intimately aware of what it is to be a Christ-follower and stand firm in it), act like men (not in an immature or cowardly manner), be strong (be healthy, vigorous, not weak or sickly...grow to full maturity). All four of these are imperatives (commands) to the church...then and now. And all of this is to be done in a spirit of love (1 Cor 16:14).

1 Cor 16:15-24 gives the final commendations and greetings. It ends as a section with Paul personally writing the closing verses. This is common when using a secretary (emanuasis) for the author to close out the letter personally. It authenticates the letter for later...just in case someone argued that something contained within might not be inspired by Paul himself.

[As a side note...for those who have been on the journey of reading the Bible along with me daily...you have just completed the 12th book and your third reading through of the Book of Proverbs. Congratulations. Not bad for a quarter of a year! Stand firm...we move on to another OT book tomorrow!]

Proverbs 2:20-23 is the takeaway today. Gaining wisdom and discernment allows us to process choices every day. Following God is not about getting this rule right or checking off this on the list. It is about living daily as a child of God. It is about making right choices that honor God throughout the day...every day. For those who gain wisdom and act with discernment...the promises of God are blessings. For those who act unwisely (foolishly), the promises of God are judgment. In everything we do...may we act wisely and in a discerning way...so that God would be honored in our every decision.

Grace,