Strong Faith, Open Hands, and Lasting Love

Paul gives directions for a collection to help God’s people in Jerusalem. He had given the same directions to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, each believer was to set aside money based on what they had earned. This would keep the gift from becoming a rushed collection when Paul arrived.

Notice how simple and fair this is. Everyone can take part, but everyone does not give the same amount. The giving reflects what each person has. Paul also calls for trusted people, approved by the church, to carry the gift with letters. He may travel with them if that seems best. Love does not make careful handling of money less important. It makes it more important. This gift would also show that believers in different places belonged to one family.

Paul plans to pass through Macedonia before coming to Corinth. He hopes to stay for a while, perhaps through the winter, rather than make only a brief visit. He wants time with them, and he expects their help as he continues his travels. Still, he holds these plans under the Lord’s will.

For now, Paul intends to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, a Jewish feast. There is a strong chance for useful work there, even though many people oppose him. I do not want us to miss that pairing. An open door does not mean an easy road. Trouble alone does not prove that Paul should leave. He sees both the need and the chance to serve. His plans show care for Corinth without ignoring the work God has placed before him in Ephesus.

If Timothy comes, Paul wants the church to welcome him so he can serve without fear. No one should look down on him. Timothy is doing the Lord’s work, just as Paul is. The church should send him on his way in peace so he can return to Paul, who expects him with the other brothers.

Paul also explains that he strongly urged Apollos to visit Corinth with the brothers. Apollos was not willing to come at that time, but he planned to come when he had the chance. Paul does not turn this difference in timing into a charge against him. In a church already tempted to take sides around leaders, these words matter. God’s workers are not rivals for the church’s praise. They deserve welcome and care because they serve the same Lord.

Paul urges the believers to stay alert, stand firm in the faith, act with courage, and be strong. Then he places love over everything they do. Their strength must not become harshness, and their love must not give up the truth.

He points to the household of Stephanas, among the first believers in Achaia, the region that included Corinth. They had given themselves to serving God’s people. Paul asks the church to follow the lead of people like these and others who work alongside them. Service, not pride or show, marks leadership worth honoring.

Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus had come to Paul and supplied what the distant church could not provide in person. Their presence refreshed him and the Corinthians as well. Paul wants such people recognized. Quiet, faithful service should not go unnoticed in God’s family.

The churches in the Roman province of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, also known as Priscilla, send warm greetings with the church meeting in their home. The other believers greet Corinth too. Paul calls for a holy kiss, a common greeting that was to express sincere family love rather than division.

Paul then writes a greeting in his own hand, marking the letter as truly his. His closing warning is serious: those who do not love the Lord stand under God’s judgment. Belonging to Christ is not merely a church label. Paul’s appeal for the Lord to come turns their eyes toward Jesus’ return.

Yet the letter does not end with warning alone. Paul asks for the grace of Jesus to be with them and gives his love to them all in Christ. His firm correction has not canceled his love.