Farewell - 1 Corinthians 16

Well, I’m finally on the last chapter of 1^st Corinthians. I’ve been working on this for almost 7 months, though it hasn’t always been consistent. Paul starts off his farewell by asking that a “collection for the saints” but taken up, and that “upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store.” Basically, he’s asking that every Sunday that there be a collection taken up for the saints in Jerusalem. I’ve talked about it before, but I was pretty surprised when I initially read that the saints in Jerusalem where considered the most desperate. I always thought that because they lived where Christianity started then they would have been the most well off.



But then again, if we think about it, the Christians in Jerusalem were Jews who had converted and were shunned by the Jewish community and chased out of their homes and away from their businesses. They most likely would have lost their livelihood, and been destitute for the gospel’s sake. Paul hit up many other Christian communities throughout the gentile world for financial assistance for the saints in Jerusalem, and many communities were happy to help financially because they felt like they’d been so blessed spiritually.



Paul plans to visit them, but has an extensive itinerary, so he introduces the Corinthian people to some of his associates that might be coming in his place. First, “Timotheus.” The article about this chapter from gospeldoctrine.com says that Timothy “was always a faithful servant” of both God and Paul. The article says, “Paul added Timothy’s name to the opening of seven letters and mentioned his trustworthiness in two others. Paul had many powerful companions, but not one continued to be closer to him.”



Second, Apollos – Even though Apollos was busy somewhere else and couldn’t visit the Corinthians at that time, Paul still mentions him to the people. Apollos “was an Alexandrian Jew… He mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”



Third, Stephanas – Paul describes his as “addicted… to the ministry of the saint.” There is a cross reference with the word “addicted” that means “devoted, appointed.” Stephanas was “a Corinthian convert, and one of the very few whom Paul personally baptized.” It doesn’t say that this guy has any background in Judaism, so I must assume that he’s a gentile convert. It also notes that Stephanas “stands out as one with presiding authority in Corinth.” He’s one of their local leaders, so this might be Paul’s way of lending support and credibility to the local branch leadership.



Fourth, Forunatus and Achaicus – These men are presumed to be Corinthians as well, “who had been visiting Ephesus.” We don’t know a whole lot more than that but it is speculated that they were also priesthood leaders in Corinth and ones who traveled between Paul and their people conveying messages and letters. Paul asks the Corinthian saints to “submit yourselves unto such, and to everyone that helpeth us, and laboreth.” He’s asking them to be united in purpose and to welcome all who believe. He’s also asking the people to support their local leadership.

Paul also admonishes the people to “watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” I don’t really understand what this means, but the article breaks it down so that it might sound something like “be intentional in your thoughts and actions. Stay committed to your covenants. Don’t shirk your responsibilities. Be bold in your testimony.” He also counsels “let all your things be done with charity.” We could say this another way, “let everything you do be governed based on what is best for other people.” Do what ever you can to help them, be kind, considerate, gentle, patient, and forgiving.



Paul also notes that he wrote this farewell section of the epistle “with mine own hand,” but then he does something interesting. The IM notes, “Paul’s farewell here is unusual because before he gave his customary blessing and farewell, he pronounced a curse on those who do not love the Lord.” This seems like kind of an overreach, but it would make sense that he might not be referring to those who aren’t members of the church and instead might be speaking to those in the Corinthian branch who are causing so much trouble for the other members. This might be Paul’s way of reminding them that this is God’s work and messing it up for other people has eternal consequences.



The specific phrase that Paul uses is “if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.” The IM explains, “Anathema is a Greek word meaning accursed. Hence, a person or thing cursed by God or his authority, as for instance one who has been excommunicated, is anathema.” Maybe this is Paul’s way of saying, “those who are disrupting the church and bringing others down should be excommunicated.” The second part of the phrase “maranatha” “an Aramaic word meaning, O our Lord, come.” This might be a way of Paul saying that those who are causing problems will be cursed until Jesus comes again. Because the word “maranatha” “appears to have been used by the primitive saints as a watchword or salutation by which they reminded each other of the promised Second Coming.” It might also be a way of Paul reminding those who are causing problems that there are eternal consequences for doing so.