hospitality — Faves of Dave - Bible Study

1Cor. 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

1Cor. 16:5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

1Cor. 16:10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

1Cor. 16:12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

We have now arrived at the final chapter or the closing comments of Paul’s first letter to these believers at Corinth. He has finished addressing the primary problems occurring among these Christians. But his closing remarks bring light to his feelings about these people and what is most important for them in way of a summary. There are twenty-four verses. So, I am going to handle this last chapter in two posts.

When he says, “Now concerning the collection for the saints . . .” (v. 1), remember that they had written him a letter with questions. (See 1 Cor. 7:1) It would appear they had some questions about expectations for having a collection for the poor. Such gifts were called alms. This was a characteristic of the early church. Reading the early chapters of Acts (Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37) reveals that the earliest of Christians were concerned about care for those in need. In these first four verses, Paul tells them what he’s told other churches. In essence, they are to be disciplined to set aside an amount they can afford once a week. Since he mentions this is to be done on the first day of the week, it would seem like they are expected to bring it to church and give it to the leaders. The discipline of doing it once a week helps keep it at the forefront of their minds and does not risk them having nothing to give when Paul arrives. In this, we see wisdom with charity.

In verses 5-9, Paul explains that he plans to visit them but doesn’t just want to pass through. He wants to spend time with them. This helps us better understand Paul’s attitude about the Corinthians. Paul has strongly admonished some of the people at Corinth in this letter. But we see here that he dearly loves these people and wants what is best for them. His admonition is that of a loving parent wanting to correct their child from wrongdoing. Sometimes, we need correction; sometimes, it might need to be more forceful. But it should always be done in love, seeking the best for all.

Verses 10-12 speak of the imminent arrival of both Timothy and Apollos. Timothy is a younger man whom Paul has mentored. Paul seems to think that the personalities at Corinth may be a bit overwhelming and could be discouraging to Timothy. He tells the Corinthians to make a point to make him feel welcome. He is coming to minister to them, and the relationship needs to be mutually edifying. This is a good reminder for us not to disregard others and to practice hospitality toward others in the faith as we might minister to them, and they may minister to us.

Have you noticed that all of these tips we can learn through Paul’s words to the Corinthians require humility and love toward others? May the Lord remind us to look out for each other.