1 Corinthians 16:10-24

10: Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am.
11: So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
12: But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.
13: Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
14: Let all that you do be done in love.

15: Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints),
16: that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
17: I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.
18: For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

19: The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20: All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21: The greeting is in my own hand—Paul.
22: If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.
23: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24: My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

*** 

Paul had already told them that he had sent Timothy to remind them of his teachings (1 Corinthians 4:17), but he expected the letter would reach them before Timothy since he was going through Macedonia first (Acts 19:21-22). In either case, Paul told them to receive him, and to bless him when he left from there. Paul then let them know that Apollos wouldn’t be coming yet.

He continued with further instructions while encouraging them to be on the alert, stand firm, act like men, and be strong. He also encouraged them to acknowledge and be in subjection to those who helped and labored in the work, such as Stephanas and his household. He admired Stephanas’ devotion to the ministry of the saints and said that he himself was refreshed when he, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came to see him.

Paul closed with greetings from the churches of Asia, specifically Aquila and Prisca (Acts 18:1-3) and their home church. Paul encouraged their expression of mutual love for each other with the holy kiss, a common practice at that time. Paul personally greeted them but did not greet those who didn’t love the Lord, rather saying to let them be cursed. “Maranatha” or “The Lord Comes” was a watchword used to urge others to prepare for the Lord’s coming. He ended by extending the Lord’s grace, and his own love.



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