1 Corinthians 16 - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland

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                 "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"

                            Chapter Sixteen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To understand the basis and purpose underlying the collection taken
   on the first day of the week

2) To note the love accompanying the writing of this epistle which is
   filled with so much correction of error

SUMMARY

In this final chapter, Paul discusses one last subject before making
his concluding remarks.  It concerns the collection for the saints, for
which Paul gives instructions as to the manner in which the funds are
to be gathered and then sent to Jerusalem (1-4).  He then writes
briefly of his plans to see them and makes a few comments concerning
Timothy and Apollos (5-12).  His final exhortations, greetings and 
solemn warning are marked with a tone of love:  the need to love one 
another, a warning to love the Lord, and a declaration of his love for 
them (13-24).

OUTLINE

I. THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS (1-4)

   A. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING TAKING UP THE COLLECTION (1-2)
      1. The same as those given the churches of Galatia (1)
      2. To be gathered each first day of the week, people giving as
         they have been prospered, to avoid last minute collections (2)

   B. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING SENDING THE COLLECTION (3-4)
      1. To be sent along with an approved representative of the church
         of Corinth (3)
      2. If deemed appropriate, Paul will join them in going to
         Jerusalem (4)

II. PERSONAL PLANS AND RELATED COMMENTS (5-12)

   A. PAUL'S PLANS (5-9)
      1. To see them after passing through Macedonia (5-7)
      2. To remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a door of 
         opportunity has been opened for him (8-9)

   B. CONCERNING TIMOTHY (10-11)
      1. Allow him to come without fear (10)
      2. Do not despise him, but send him to Paul in peace (11)

   C. CONCERNING APOLLOS (12)
      1. Though urged by Paul, he chose not to go to Corinth at the
         present time (12a)
      2. But he will at a more convenient time (12b)

III. CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS, GREETINGS, AND A SOLEMN FAREWELL (13-24)

   A. FINAL EXHORTATIONS (13-18)
      1. Exhortation to steadfastness and love (13-14)
      2. Exhortation to submit to the household of Stephanus and others
         like them, who refresh the spirits of those who know them
         (15-18)

   B. GREETINGS (19-21)
      1. From the churches of Asia, Aquila and Priscilla, and others
         (19-20a)
      2. Greet one another with a holy kiss (20b)
      3. Paul's own personal salutation in his own handwriting (21)

   C. A SOLEMN FAREWELL (22-24)
      1. A grave warning about not loving the Lord Jesus , with a plea
         for His coming (22)
      2. A prayer for grace and an expression of love for those in
         Christ Jesus (23)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this chapter
   - The Collection For The Saints (1-4)
   - Personal Plans And Related Comments (5-12)
   - Concluding Exhortations, Greetings, And A Solemn Farewell (13-24)

2) What was the purpose of the collection? (1)
   - For the needy saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26)

3) When was the collection to be taken? (2)
   - On the first day of the week

4) What was the purpose of doing it this way? (2)
   - To avoid a last minute collection

5) What principle concerning giving is taught in verse two?
   - To give as one may prosper

6) When did Paul plan to go to Corinth? (5-8)
   - After staying in Ephesus till Pentecost, and then after passing
     through Macedonia

7) Who would likely see them in the meantime? (10-11)
   - Timothy

8) What noble comments are made concerning Stephanus, Fortunatus, and
   Achaicus (15-18)
   - They devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints
   - They refreshed the spirits of Paul and those at Corinth

9) What husband and wife team joined Paul in greeting the church at
   Corinth? (19)
   - Aquila and Priscilla

10) What grave warning does Paul give in this chapter? (22)
   - If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus, let him be accursed

11) What earnest wish does Paul express in this chapter? (22)
   - That the Lord might come

12) How does Paul close this epistle which is filled with so much
    rebuke for the error that existed in the church at Corinth? (24)
   - My love be with you all in Christ Jesus
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