King James Version
1 Corinthians 16
24 verses with commentary
The Collection for the Saints
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now concerning the collection for the saints</strong>—Paul introduces <em>logeia</em> (λογεία), a commercial term for collecting taxes or money, here sanctified for gathering relief funds for the impoverished Jerusalem church. This collection was crucial to Paul's theology of Gentile-Jewish unity in Christ, demonstrating that Gentile churches owed a debt to the mother church from which the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XVI.
(1) **Now concerning the collection for the saints.**—This chapter deals briefly with the following subjects:—
1Corinthians 16:1-4. The collection for the poor at Jerusalem.
1Corinthians 16:5-9. The Apostle’s prospective arrangement, as to his journey.
1Corinthians 16:10-18. Commendation of various individuals.
1Corinthians 16:19-20. The salutation of the Church.
1Corinthians 16:21-24. The sa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. brake--**The breaking of the bread involves its distribution and reproves the Corinthian mode at the love-feast, of "every one taking before other his own supper."
**my body ... broken for you--**"given" (Lu 22:19) for you (Greek, "in your behalf"), and "broken," so as to be distributed among you. The oldest manuscripts omit "broken," leaving it to be supplied from "brake." The two old ver...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there.(1-16)
Cautions the church against such as made divisions.(17-20)
Christian salutations.(21-24)
The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God.(25-27)
**Verses 1-16**
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another i...
Read full commentary →Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Upon the first day of the week</strong>—This is one of the earliest references to Christian Sunday worship, marking the shift from Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday in honor of Christ's resurrection. <em>Mia sabbatōn</em> (μία σαββάτων, literally "first of the week") became the Christian day of gathering (Acts 20:7, Revelation 1:10 "the Lord's day").<br><br><strong>Let every one of you l...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Upon the first day of the week.**—The Greek phrase (as given in the best MSS.) is literally, *on one of the Sabbaths*—that being, after a Hebrew idiom, equivalent to “the day next after the Sabbath.” Already the day of the week on which Christ had risen had become noted as a suitable day for distinctively Christian work and Christian worship. It does not yet seem to have been designated by t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. when he had supped--**Greek, "after the eating of supper," namely, the Passover supper which preceded the Lord's Supper, as the love-feast did subsequently. Therefore, you Corinthians ought to separate common meals from the Lord's Supper [Bengel].
**the new testament--**or "covenant." The cup is the parchment-deed, as it were, on which My new covenant, or last will is written and sealed, m...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there.(1-16)
Cautions the church against such as made divisions.(17-20)
Christian salutations.(21-24)
The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God.(25-27)
**Verses 1-16**
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another i...
Read full commentary →And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. liberality: Gr. gift
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send</strong>—Paul insists on financial accountability, delegating authority to the Corinthian congregation to select trustworthy envoys. <em>Dokimazō</em> (δοκιμάζω, "approve") implies careful testing and verification of character. The phrase <em>di' epistolōn</em> ("by letters") suggests written credentials or letters of recommenda...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters.**—Better, *whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send by letters to bring your gifts to Jerusalem.* The Apostle had not made up his mind finally whether he would take the gift himself or send it by messengers, whom he would accredit with letters, to the Church at Jerusalem. He would probably be influenced by the amount collected, and by the urg...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26. For--**in proof that the Lord's Supper is "in remembrance" of Him.
**show--**announce publicly. The Greek does not mean to dramatically represent, but "ye publicly profess each of you, the Lord has died FOR ME" [Wahl]. This word, as "is" in Christ's institution (1Co 11:24, 25), implies not literal presence, but a vivid realization, by faith, of Christ in the Lord's Supper, as a living pers...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there.(1-16)
Cautions the church against such as made divisions.(17-20)
Christian salutations.(21-24)
The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God.(25-27)
**Verses 1-16**
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another i...
Read full commentary →And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if it be meet that I go also</strong>—<em>Axios</em> (ἄξιος, "meet") means "worthy" or "fitting." Paul remained uncertain whether his personal presence in Jerusalem would be appropriate or beneficial. His humility contrasts with modern ministry celebrity culture; Paul subordinated personal involvement to what best served the mission. He ultimately did travel to Jerusalem with the deleg...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27. eat and drink--**So one of the oldest manuscripts reads. But three or four equally old manuscripts, the Vulgate and Cyprian, read, "or." Romanists quote this reading in favor of communion in one kind. This consequence does not follow. Paul says, "Whosoever is guilty of unworthy conduct, either in eating the bread, or in drinking the cup, is guilty of the body and blood of Christ." Impropriet...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there.(1-16)
Cautions the church against such as made divisions.(17-20)
Christian salutations.(21-24)
The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God.(25-27)
**Verses 1-16**
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another i...
Read full commentary →Paul's Plans
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia</strong>—Paul's travel plans, mentioned frequently in his letters, reveal his strategic thinking and pastoral concern. He intended to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia (northern Greece, including Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea). The verb <em>dierchomai</em> (διέρχομαι, "pass through") suggests a journey involving mult...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **For I do pass through Macedonia.**—A misrepresentation of these words gives rise to the incorrect statement that this Epistle was written at Philippi, which is to be found in the subscription at the end of this chapter in our English Bible. The Apostle does not here refer to where he is at the moment of writing, but to his intention regarding his journey. He had intended to go first to Corin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. examine--**Greek, "prove" or "test" his own state of mind in respect to Christ's death, and his capability of "discerning the Lord's body" (1Co 11:29, 31). Not auricular confession to a priest, but self-examination is necessary.
**so--**after due self-examination.
**of ... of--**In 1Co 11:27, where the receiving was unworthily, the expression was, "eat this bread, drink ... cup" without ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there.(1-16)
Cautions the church against such as made divisions.(17-20)
Christian salutations.(21-24)
The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God.(25-27)
**Verses 1-16**
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another i...
Read full commentary →And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you</strong>—Ancient Mediterranean travel ceased during winter due to dangerous seas and impassable mountain roads. Paul hoped to spend the approximately five-month winter season (November-March) in Corinth, allowing extended ministry rather than a brief visit. <em>Paracheimazō</em> (παραχειμάζω, "winter") occurs only here and in Acts 2...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And it may be that I will abide . . .**—His former plan had involved but a brief visit to the Church at Corinth, but the arrangement which he now contemplated would permit of a longer stay, and so he adds, with affectionate emphasis, “that *you* may send me on my journey.” Whither he would go from Corinth he had not yet determined; and, indeed, it was subsequently determined for him by a con...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29. damnation--**A mistranslation which has put a stumbling-block in the way of many in respect to communicating. The right translation is "judgment." The judgment is described (1Co 11:30-32) as temporal.
**not discerning--**not duty judging: not distinguishing in judgment (so the Greek: the sin and its punishment thus being marked as corresponding) from common food, the sacramental pledges of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there.(1-16)
Cautions the church against such as made divisions.(17-20)
Christian salutations.(21-24)
The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God.(25-27)
**Verses 1-16**
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another i...
Read full commentary →For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For I will not see you now by the way</strong>—<em>Arti parerchomenos</em> (ἄρτι παρερχόμενος, "now passing by") indicates Paul refused a brief stopover visit. He wanted substantial time to address Corinth's numerous problems (divisions, immorality, litigation, worship disorders, doctrinal confusion). A hurried visit would accomplish nothing and might even worsen relationships.<br><br><str...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **For I will not see you now by the way.**—Here again is a reference to his changed intention. (See 1Corinthians 16:5.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30. weak ... sickly--**He is "weak" who has naturally no strength: "sickly," who has lost his strength by disease [Tittmann, Greek Synonyms of the New Testament].
**sleep--**are being lulled in death: not a violent death; but one the result of sickness, sent as the Lord's chastening for the individual's salvation, the mind being brought to a right state on the sick bed (1Co 11:31).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there.(1-16)
Cautions the church against such as made divisions.(17-20)
Christian salutations.(21-24)
The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God.(25-27)
**Verses 1-16**
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another i...
Read full commentary →But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost</strong>—Paul remained in Ephesus, his ministry base during his third missionary journey, until the Jewish feast of Pentecost (May/June), approximately 50 days after Passover. This time reference suggests Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in the spring, likely AD 54. The mention of Pentecost may indicate Paul hoped to observe it in Jerusalem, maintaining ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **But I will tarry at Ephesus.**—In this and the following verse the Apostle returns to his immediate plans at Ephesus. It was probably now about Easter-time (see 1Corinthians 16:7), and the hostility of enemies increases. (See Acts 19:9-23.) That must be subdued. A door has been opened wide for the effectual spread of the gospel (Acts 19:20). Of that the Apostle must avail himself. Therefore ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31. if we would judge ourselves--**Most of the oldest manuscripts, read "But," not "For." Translate also literally "If we duly judged ourselves, we should not be (or not have been) judged," that is, we should escape (or have escaped) our present judgments. In order to duly judge or "discern [appreciate] the Lord's body," we need to "duly judge ourselves." A prescient warning against the dogma of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there.(1-16)
Cautions the church against such as made divisions.(17-20)
Christian salutations.(21-24)
The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God.(25-27)
**Verses 1-16**
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another i...
Read full commentary →For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For a great door and effectual is opened unto me</strong>—<em>Thyra megale kai energēs</em> (θύρα μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής, "great and effective door") employs Paul's common metaphor of an open door for gospel opportunity (1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3). <em>Energēs</em> (ἐνεργής, "effective, working, powerful") suggests not merely opportunity but fruitful results—souls ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**32. chastened--**(Re 3:19).
**with the world--**who, being bastards, are without chastening (He 12:8).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there.(1-16)
Cautions the church against such as made divisions.(17-20)
Christian salutations.(21-24)
The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God.(25-27)
**Verses 1-16**
Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another i...
Read full commentary →Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear</strong>—Timothy, Paul's beloved protégé and "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2), apparently traveled to Corinth via a circuitous route through Macedonia (Acts 19:22). <em>Aphobōs</em> (ἀφόβως, "without fear") suggests Timothy faced intimidation—perhaps due to his youth (1 Timothy 4:12), timid temperament (2 Timothy 1:7), ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Now if Timotheus come . . .**—Timothy and Erastus had been sent (see 1Corinthians 4:17) by St. Paul to remind the Corinthians of his former teaching, and to rebuke and check those evils of which rumours had reached the ears of the Apostle. As, however, they would travel through Macedonia, delaying *en route* at the various churches to prepare them for the visit which St. Paul, according to ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**33. tarry one for another--**In contrast to 1Co 11:21. The expression is not, "Give a share to one another," for all the viands brought to the feast were common property, and, therefore, they should "tarry" till all were met to partake together of the common feast of fellowship [Theophylact].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
In the great things of religion be of one mind; and where there is not unity of sentiment, still let there be union of affection. Agreement in the greater things should extinguish divisions about the lesser. There will be perfect union in heaven, and the nearer we approach it on earth, the nearer we come to perfection. Paul and Apollos both were faithful ministers of Jesus Chr...
Read full commentary →Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let no man therefore despise him</strong>—<em>Exoutheneō</em> (ἐξουθενέω, "despise, treat with contempt") suggests the Corinthians might reject Timothy due to his youth or unimpressive presence. The same verb appears in Luke 23:11 for Herod's soldiers mocking Jesus. Church factions valuing eloquence, status, and forceful personality (qualities they perceived in Apollos or Peter but found l...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **For I look for him with the brethren.**—Timothy and Erastus (Acts 19:22) had been sent through Macedonia to Corinth some time before this Epistle was written, but when they had been despatched the full knowledge of the state of affairs at Corinth had not reached St. Paul. Now that he knows how very bad is the condition of the Corinthian Church, and what need it has of vigorous treatment, he...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34. if any ... hunger--**so as not to be able to "tarry for others," let him take off the edge of his hunger at home [Alford] (1Co 11:22).
**the rest--**"the other questions you asked me as to the due celebration of the Lord's Supper." Not other questions in general; for he does subsequently set in order other general questions in this Epistle.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
In the great things of religion be of one mind; and where there is not unity of sentiment, still let there be union of affection. Agreement in the greater things should extinguish divisions about the lesser. There will be perfect union in heaven, and the nearer we approach it on earth, the nearer we come to perfection. Paul and Apollos both were faithful ministers of Jesus Chr...
Read full commentary →As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you</strong>—Apollos, the eloquent Alexandrian preacher (Acts 18:24-28), had worked in Corinth and became a focal point for one faction (1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:4-6). Despite the Apollos party's divisiveness, Paul warmly calls him <strong>our brother</strong> (<em>adelphos</em>, ἀδελφός), rejecting any personal rivalry. Paul...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **As touching our brother Apollos.**—St. Paul, free from the smallest spark of personal jealousy, had wished that Apollos, whose name had been used as the designation of a faction in opposition to the Apostle himself, should go with this letter to Corinth. St. Paul had planted, Apollos had watered that Church, and in the absence of the planter, Apollos would have been the most likely and prop...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
In the great things of religion be of one mind; and where there is not unity of sentiment, still let there be union of affection. Agreement in the greater things should extinguish divisions about the lesser. There will be perfect union in heaven, and the nearer we approach it on earth, the nearer we come to perfection. Paul and Apollos both were faithful ministers of Jesus Chr...
Read full commentary →Final Exhortations and Greetings
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Watch ye</strong>—<em>Grēgoreō</em> (γρηγορέω, "be awake, vigilant") carries eschatological overtones—Jesus used it repeatedly in warnings about His return (Matthew 24:42, 25:13, Mark 13:35). Spiritual alertness against deception, sin, and compromise remains essential. <strong>Stand fast in the faith</strong>—<em>Stēkō en tē pistei</em> (στήκω ἐν τῇ πίστει, "stand firm in the faith") emplo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13, 14) **Watch ye, stand fast.**—These words of stirring exhortation come in here somewhat abruptly. It is possible that they conclude the epistle so far—the Apostle intending to add immediately before sending it, the verses which follow, and which contain messages from, or commendations of their friends who were with him. Living in a profound consciousness of the uncertainty of life, St. Paul m...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 12
1Co 12:1-31. The Use and the Abuse of Spiritual Gifts, Especially Prophesying and Tongues.
This is the second subject for correction in the Corinthian assemblies: the "first" was discussed (1Co 11:18-34).
**1. spiritual gifts--**the signs of the Spirit's continued efficacious presence in the Church, which is Christ's body, the complement of His incarnation, as the body is the com...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
In the great things of religion be of one mind; and where there is not unity of sentiment, still let there be union of affection. Agreement in the greater things should extinguish divisions about the lesser. There will be perfect union in heaven, and the nearer we approach it on earth, the nearer we come to perfection. Paul and Apollos both were faithful ministers of Jesus Chr...
Read full commentary →Let all your things be done with charity.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let all your things be done with charity</strong>—<em>Panta hymōn en agapē ginesthō</em> (πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω, "let all your things be done in love"). After 13 chapters addressing Corinthian failures and four imperatives demanding strength (v. 13), Paul grounds everything in <em>agapē</em> (ἀγάπη)—the self-giving, others-centered love defined in chapter 13. Without agape, prophecy,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. (Ep 2:11).
**that ye were--**The best manuscripts read, "That WHEN ye were"; thus "ye were" must be supplied before "carried away"--Ye were blindly transported hither and thither at the will of your false guides.
**these dumb idols--**Greek, "the idols which are dumb"; contrasted with the living God who "speaks" in the believer by His Spirit (1Co 12:3, &c.). This gives the reason why th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
In the great things of religion be of one mind; and where there is not unity of sentiment, still let there be union of affection. Agreement in the greater things should extinguish divisions about the lesser. There will be perfect union in heaven, and the nearer we approach it on earth, the nearer we come to perfection. Paul and Apollos both were faithful ministers of Jesus Chr...
Read full commentary →I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia)</strong>—<em>Parakaleō</em> (παρακαλέω, "beseech, exhort") introduces commendation of Stephanas's household, Paul's first converts in the Corinthian region (Achaia). <em>Aparchē</em> (ἀπαρχή, "firstfruits") recalls Israel's offering of first produce to God (Exodus 23:19), here applied to first c...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **The house of Stephanas.**—The Apostle here reminds the Corinthians that the devotion of teachers, and all who serve in the gospel ministry, ought to be rewarded with a return of sympathy and devotion on the part of those whom they serve. There is in the original a characteristic play upon words here which can scarcely be rendered adequately in the English: “Ye know the house of Stephanas, t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. The negative and positive criteria of inspiration by the Spirit--**the rejection or confession of Jesus as Lord [Alford] (1Jo 4:2; 5:1). Paul gives a test of truth against the Gentiles; John, against the false prophets.
**by the Spirit--**rather, as Greek, "IN the Spirit"; that being the power pervading him, and the element in which he speaks [Alford], (Mt 16:17; Joh 15:26).
**of God ... ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
In the great things of religion be of one mind; and where there is not unity of sentiment, still let there be union of affection. Agreement in the greater things should extinguish divisions about the lesser. There will be perfect union in heaven, and the nearer we approach it on earth, the nearer we come to perfection. Paul and Apollos both were faithful ministers of Jesus Chr...
Read full commentary →That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That ye submit yourselves unto such</strong>—<em>Hypotassō</em> (ὑποτάσσω, "submit, be subject to") commands voluntary submission to servant leaders like Stephanas. This submission isn't based on official titles or institutional authority but on character and service. The Corinthians, obsessed with status and credentials ("I am of Paul," "I am of Apollos"), needed to honor those who actual...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. diversities of gifts--**that is, varieties of spiritual endowments peculiar to the several members of the Church: compare "dividing to every man severally" (1Co 12:11).
**same Spirit--**The Holy Trinity appears here: the Holy Spirit in this verse; Christ in 1Co 12:5; and the Father in 1Co 12:6. The terms "gifts," "administrations," and "operations," respectively correspond to the Divine Thr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
In the great things of religion be of one mind; and where there is not unity of sentiment, still let there be union of affection. Agreement in the greater things should extinguish divisions about the lesser. There will be perfect union in heaven, and the nearer we approach it on earth, the nearer we come to perfection. Paul and Apollos both were faithful ministers of Jesus Chr...
Read full commentary →I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus</strong>—<em>Chairō epi tē parousia</em> (χαίρω ἐπὶ τῇ παρουσίᾳ, "I rejoice at the coming"). <em>Parousia</em> (παρουσία), often used for Christ's second coming, here simply means "arrival, presence." These three men traveled from Corinth to Ephesus, likely bearing the Corinthians' letter (7:1) and oral reports.<br><br><stron...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. "Gifts" (1Co 12:4), "administrations" (the various functions and services performed by those having the gifts, compare 1Co 12:28), and "operations" (the actual effects resulting from both the former, through the universally operative power of the one Father who is "above all, through all, and in us all"), form an ascending climax [Henderson, Inspiration].
**same Lord--**whom the Spirit glor...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. This is the sum and substance of the gospel. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys. And by his death we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings...
Read full commentary →For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For they have refreshed my spirit and your's</strong>—<em>Anepausan to emon pneuma kai to hymōn</em> (ἀνέπαυσαν τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα καὶ τὸ ὑμῶν, "they refreshed my spirit and yours"). <em>Anapauō</em> (ἀναπαύω, "give rest, refresh") suggests restoration from weariness. Paul's spirit found rest through their fellowship and their report of Corinthian faithfulness in some areas. Remarkably, Paul s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. "Gifts" (1Co 12:4), "administrations" (the various functions and services performed by those having the gifts, compare 1Co 12:28), and "operations" (the actual effects resulting from both the former, through the universally operative power of the one Father who is "above all, through all, and in us all"), form an ascending climax [Henderson, Inspiration].
**same Lord--**whom the Spirit glor...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. This is the sum and substance of the gospel. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys. And by his death we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings...
Read full commentary →The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The churches of Asia salute you</strong>—<em>Aspazomai</em> (ἀσπάζομαι, "greet, salute") conveys warm Christian fellowship. Asia refers to the Roman province in western Asia Minor, including Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—the seven churches of Revelation 2-3. This greeting emphasizes the unity of geographically separated churches, countering Corinth...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **The churches of Asia salute you.**—This and the following verse are occupied with the salutations from the churches throughout Asia; from the church in the house of Aquila and Priscilla; and finally, from “all the brethren.” Aquila and Priscilla had been the Apostle’s friends at Corinth (Acts 18:1-3), and he now was with them at Ephesus. (See Romans 16:3-5; 2Timothy 4:19.) Probably by “the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. But--**Though all the gifts flow from the one God, Lord, and Spirit, the "manifestation" by which the Spirit acts (as He is hidden in Himself), varies in each individual.
**to every man--**to each of the members of the Church severally.
**to profit withal--**with a view to the profit of the whole body.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. This is the sum and substance of the gospel. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys. And by his death we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings...
Read full commentary →All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>All the brethren greet you</strong>—This corporate greeting, broader than the Asian churches (v. 19), likely includes Paul's ministry team in Ephesus and perhaps converts from across his mission field. The repetition of greetings emphasizes relational connectivity across the early Christian network.<br><br><strong>Greet ye one another with an holy kiss</strong>—<em>Philēma hagion</em> (φίλ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **An holy kiss.**—The kiss was the ordinary form of affectionate greeting in the East. The Church adopted it; and when thus interchanged between those whose bond of friendship was not earthly, but spiritual, it was designated “the holy kiss.” (See Romans 16:16; 1Thessalonians 5:26.) The practice was given up in the Latin Church in the thirteenth century, but is still used in the Greek Church ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-10. Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct Greek word for "another" (a distinct class), marking the three several genera: allo marks the species, hetero the genera (compare Greek, 1Co 15:39-41). I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (Mt 17:20): (1) healings; (2) workings of miracles; (3) prophecy...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. This is the sum and substance of the gospel. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys. And by his death we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings...
Read full commentary →The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
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<strong>The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand</strong>—<em>Ho aspasmos tē emē cheiri Paulou</em> (ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου, "the greeting with my own hand, Paul's"). Ancient authors typically dictated letters to scribes (amanuenses), but added personal greetings or authentication in their own handwriting (Galatians 6:11, Colossians 4:18, 2 Thessalonians 3:17, Philemon 1:19). This hand...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.**—It was the Apostle’s habit to dictate his Epistles, but to add a few words at the end in his own handwriting. (See 2Thessalonians 3:17.) The concluding verses here are accordingly St. Paul’s autograph. The earlier portions had been written by Sosthenes. (See 1Corinthians 1:1.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-10. Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct Greek word for "another" (a distinct class), marking the three several genera: allo marks the species, hetero the genera (compare Greek, 1Co 15:39-41). I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (Mt 17:20): (1) healings; (2) workings of miracles; (3) prophecy...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. This is the sum and substance of the gospel. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys. And by his death we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings...
Read full commentary →If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema</strong>—<em>Ei tis ou philei ton kyrion, ētō anathema</em> (εἴ τις οὐ φιλεῖ τὸν κύριον, ἤτω ἀνάθεμα). <em>Philei</em> (φιλεῖ, "loves") differs from <em>agapaō</em> (ἀγαπάω), emphasizing affection and devotion. <em>Anathema</em> (ἀνάθεμα) means "accursed, devoted to destruction," translating Hebrew <em>herem</em> (חֵרֶם)—divine...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **If any man love not the Lord Jesus.**—From all the argument and controversy which form the main portion of the Epistle, the Apostle with his own hand brings back the thoughts of the Corinthians to the true test of their Christianity. Do they love the Lord Jesus? The word here used for love signifies not merely affectionate regard, but personal devotion.
**Let him be Anathema Maran-atha.**—B...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-10. Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct Greek word for "another" (a distinct class), marking the three several genera: allo marks the species, hetero the genera (compare Greek, 1Co 15:39-41). I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (Mt 17:20): (1) healings; (2) workings of miracles; (3) prophecy...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. This is the sum and substance of the gospel. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys. And by his death we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings...
Read full commentary →The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you</strong>—<em>Hē charis tou kyriou Iēsou</em> (ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ). Paul's typical closing benediction invokes <em>charis</em> (χάρις, "grace")—God's unmerited favor, the foundation of all Christian existence. After correcting Corinthian pride, factionalism, immorality, and doctrinal error, Paul ends with grace, not condemnation. The lett...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. as he will--**(1Co 12:18; He 2:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. This is the sum and substance of the gospel. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys. And by his death we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings...
Read full commentary →My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen</strong>—<em>Hē agapē mou meta pantōn hymōn en Christō Iēsou</em> (ἡ ἀγάπη μου μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ). After pronouncing anathema on Christ-rejecters (v. 22), invoking grace (v. 23), Paul declares his personal <em>agapē</em> (ἀγάπη) for <strong>all</strong> the Corinthians—even those in rival factions, even those tolerating immoralit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **My love be with you all.**—Like a river which, after rushing, foaming over many a rock and through many a gorge, at last emerges into a broad calm amid sunlit meadows, so this Epistle, after chapters of trenchant logic and fervid rebuke, closes in peaceful words of tenderness and love.
[In reference to the erroneous subscription which follows this Epistle in our English version, see Notes o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12-13. Unity, not unvarying uniformity, is the law of God in the world of grace, as in that of nature. As the many members of the body compose an organic whole and none can be dispensed with as needless, so those variously gifted by the Spirit, compose a spiritual organic whole, the body of Christ, into which all are baptized by the one Spirit.
**of that one body--**Most of the oldest manuscript...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-25**
Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. This is the sum and substance of the gospel. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys. And by his death we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings...
Read full commentary →