What is the "collection for the saints" that Paul talks about here?

The “collection for the saints” is a money offering Paul asks the Corinthian church to prepare for poor believers in Jerusalem. Many of them had suffered loss and hardship, so Christians in other regions were helping them. Paul wants each person to set aside something regularly, based on how God has prospered them, so that the gift is ready when he comes. This shows that caring for needy brothers and sisters is a shared family responsibility, not a last‑minute push, and that giving flows from what God has already given.

Why does Paul say to give on the first day of the week "as God hath prospered him"?

Paul ties giving to both rhythm and fairness. The first day of the week was when believers gathered, so setting something aside then made giving a regular part of worship, not an afterthought. “As God hath prospered him” means each person gives in proportion to what God has given them, not all the same amount. Those who have more can give more, those who have less are not pressured beyond their ability. It reminds us that our income comes from God, and our giving responds to his kindness.

Why does Paul stay in Ephesus if there are "many adversaries"?

Paul says a “great door and effectual” has opened to him in Ephesus, meaning there is a strong opportunity for the good news to spread and for people to be reached. At the same time, he faces many opponents. He does not take opposition as a sign to quit but as something that often accompanies fruitful work. He chooses to stay until Pentecost because God is clearly using that time and place. This shows a mix of wisdom and courage: he sees both the open door and the conflict, yet keeps going.

Why does Paul say, "Let all your things be done with charity"?

After calling them to be watchful, firm, brave, and strong, Paul immediately adds that everything must be done with “charity,” meaning love. This keeps his strong words from turning into harshness. The church at Corinth had many gifts but also many fights and pride issues. Paul reminds them that real Christian strength is not cold or unkind. Every action, even correction and leadership, should be marked by love for God and for one another. Without love, even bold faith and service are empty.

Who is Stephanas and why does Paul highlight his household?

Stephanas and his household were among the first people in Achaia to believe in Christ, like firstfruits of a harvest. Paul says they have “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,” meaning they devoted themselves to serving other believers. He urges the church to submit to people like them, who help and work hard for the good of others. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus also visited Paul and refreshed his spirit, filling in what was lacking from the church’s presence. They are examples of humble, faithful service.

Why does Paul tell the Corinthians not to despise Timothy?

Timothy was younger and may have seemed timid, and some in Corinth were proud and divided. Paul tells them to see that Timothy can be with them “without fear,” not looking down on him or making his work harder. Timothy is doing the Lord’s work, just as Paul is, so they must respect and support him and then send him on in peace. This shows that leaders who may appear weak in human eyes are still to be honored when they serve Christ, and churches should make their ministry a joy, not a burden.

What does "Greet ye one another with an holy kiss" mean for the church?

In that culture, a kiss was a normal greeting among close friends and family. Paul calls it a “holy” kiss to show that Christian greetings should be pure, sincere, and full of brotherly love, not fake or improper. The point is not the exact gesture but the heart: believers are to welcome each other warmly as members of one family in Christ. Today this may look like a handshake, hug, or kind words, but the idea is the same, that our relationships in the church should be marked by real affection and unity.

How can believers today apply Paul’s instructions in this chapter?

This chapter points to some clear practices. We can plan our giving, setting aside money regularly to help needy believers and gospel work, based on how God has blessed us. We can support faithful workers, like Timothy and Stephanas did, by honoring them, easing their burdens, and working with them. We can seek to be alert, steady in the faith, brave, and strong, while making sure everything we do is shaped by love. And we can remember that our plans, like Paul’s, should always be held with “if the Lord permit” in mind.

1Cor.16.1

1 Corinthians 16:1

Q: What does "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" mean?

These short commands are like a final charge. “Watch ye” means stay spiritually awake and alert. “Stand fast in the faith” means hold firmly to the message about Christ and do not be moved by pressure or new errors. “Quit you like men” is an old way of saying, act with courage and maturity, not like frightened children. “Be strong” calls them to lean on God for strength. Taken together, Paul is urging them to be steady, brave, and grounded in the faith they have received.

Q: What does "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha" mean?

“Anathema” means under a curse, and “Maran-atha” is an Aramaic phrase often taken as “Our Lord comes” or “O Lord, come.” Paul is not speaking about small struggles in love for Christ, but about those who refuse to love him at all. To reject the Lord who died and rose is a serious thing. Paul ends with both a warning and a reminder that Jesus is coming. Yet right after this he speaks of the grace of the Lord and his own love for them, showing that even strong warnings come from a heart that cares.

KJV

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

The Collection for the Saints

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Timothy and Apollos

10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

Concluding Exhortations

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

14 Let all your things be done with charity.

15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

18 For they have refreshed my spirit and your’s: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

Signature and Final Greetings

19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.