1 Corinthians — Chapter 16

Collection, Plans, and Final Greetings

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."

— 1Cor 16:13

1 Corinthians 16 closes the letter with practical instructions about the collection for Jerusalem, Paul's travel plans, and final greetings.

💰 The Collection for the Saints (16:1-4)

1Cor 16:1-3

"Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper."

The collection for the poor in Jerusalem (Rom 15:26; 2Cor 8-9) is the first reference to worship on the first day of the week as an established practice. The principle: systematic ('on the first day'), proportional ('as he may prosper'), voluntary ('put something aside').

🌟 Final Exhortations (16:13-24)

1Cor 16:13-14

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."

Five military imperatives followed by an imperative of love. The Christian life requires vigilance, firmness, courage, and strength—but all must be done in love. The love of 1Cor 13 is not passivity—it is the motivation for every courageous action.