Chapter 16, the final chapter of 1 Corinthians, is divided into two parts each promoting the common theme of obedience to proper authorities. The first part, .1-.13, is a short narrative concerning ministry. The second part, .13-.24, contains subtle warnings against false teachers.

In the first four verses we find that obeying proper authorities entails giving. These four verses parallel his expanded teaching of the subject in 2 Corinthians 8.1-9.15. The practice was to save a portion of one’s income to be given as a gift (not a tithe, which in the Old Testament was actually a tax) to traveling missionaries.

Paul found that fund raising took time, and decided to get a head start on the process by instructing the Corinthians to begin saving so that when he arrived the moneys could be quickly collected. Also, by telling them to save the money, there was a greater chance that more money would be given. Should the people give out of what little they had upon his arrival, he would collect only a small sum. If the people set aside a little each week, however, the gifts would multiply as they would be collected not as a one-time gift, but as several one-time gifts over a long period of time. This collection, which most modern churches call the “offering,” was instituted by Paul to support traveling preachers and missionaries. This short passage establishes three sets of instructions for the collection of the offering:

• Giving is established in the churches
• Giving is regular; on the first day of the week
• Giving should be great, not small

After these directives Paul conveys his plans for a future missionary journey (.5-.12). He plans to leave Ephesus in the Spring (.8) and will head north to Macedonia (.5). Then he will take the southern route to Corinth where he hopes to stay through the winter (.6). Perhaps Timothy will come before Paul can make the journey himself (.10). Should this happen, Paul tells them to treat him with respect and give him whatever he needs for his return journey (.11). Apollos too was supposed to make a visit, and for some unknown reason he was unwilling to do so (.12).

Beginning in verse 10 we begin to find subtle warnings against false teachers. Though not ever mentioned specifically, there are five evidences for their presence. The first of these is found in verses 10 and 11. What was the source of Timothy’s fears? Why should he have anything to fear from the church at Corinth? And what about Apollos? Why would he be so unwilling to travel to Corinth when Paul had urged him so strongly? Immediately after this, Paul gives pseudo warnings: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” These are admonishments to true faith, including his final command, “Do everything in love.” There is a building momentum of evidence. Next is Paul’s public announcement of proper authority, beginning with the first Christian in Corinth, Stephanas. Stephanas’ household is not alone; however, Paul also mentions Fortunatus and Acaicus. Due to their mention earlier, Timothy and Apollos are also members with authority. The true believers were to recognize others of the fold by greeting them with a kiss (.20). This shows to whom one has allegiance. If all this were not enough, Paul guarded the book of 1 Corinthians against counterfeiters. In verse 21 he writes: “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.” At this point, the scribe had stopped his work, and Paul took over the stylus to write the last few verses (probably 19-24). His handwriting was evidence that the letter was authentic. The final piece of evidence for the influence of false teachers: the curse. In verse 22, as nowhere else in the New Testament, Paul levels a curse on any who do not love the Lord. Each of these evidences alone would not be sufficient cause to think that false teachers had crept into the church at Corinth, but together they form a strong line of reasoning.

Paul closes this letter with a blessing of the grace and the love of Christ to the true church of Corinth. May his final words also by mine:

“My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.”