\\INTRODUCTION TO 1 CORINTHIANS 16\\

This chapter concludes the epistle, with some directions to
the Corinthians concerning a collection for the poor saints; with
some intimations of himself, Timothy, and Apollos coming to them,
and giving them a visit; with exhortations to watchfulness,
constancy, courage, and charity; with recommendations of some
persons to them mentioned by name; with divers salutations of them
by himself and others; and with his good wishes for them. He urges
them to make a collection for the poor saints, from the example of
the churches of Galatia, according to his order, \\#1Co 16:1\\. He
points out the time when he would have it made, on the first day of
the week; and the persons that should contribute to it, every member
of the church; and the act of distribution, by laying up in store;
and the manner, measure, and rule of doing it, according as they
were blessed in Providence with temporal things; and the end of it,
that there might be no collections to make when the apostle should
come among them, \\#1Co 16:2\\ and this, when made, and being ready at
his coming, he proposes to send to Jerusalem, by persons approved of
and recommended by them, \\#1Co 16:3\\ and that he would also go along
with them, should it be thought fit and proper, \\#1Co 16:4\\. He
signifies his resolution of coming and paying them a visit, when he
should pass through Macedonia, \\#1Co 16:5\\ when he had some thoughts
of tarrying with them for a while, at least throughout the winter
season, \\#1Co 16:6\\ in all which he submits to the will of God,
\\#1Co 16:7\\. The reason why he could not come as yet was, because he
had determined to stay at Ephesus till Pentecost, where he now was,
\\#1Co 16:8\\ and what prevailed upon him to stay there was, because
there was an opportunity of preaching the Gospel with a prospect of
success; and there were many enemies to hinder it all they could, and
therefore the apostle's presence seemed necessary, \\#1Co 16:9\\. He
intimates, that Timothy would come to them shortly, and exhorts them
to take care of him, and carry it respectfully to him; giving this as
a reason, because he was engaged in the same work of the Lord he
himself was, \\#1Co 16:10\\. He enjoins them, that whilst he should
continue with them they would not despise him on account of his youth;
and when he should depart from them, to conduct him in peace to him
who was in expectation of him, along with other brethren, \\#1Co 16:11\\
and then he excuses Apollos not coming to them at present; and
observes, that it was not for want of entreaty in him, but for want of
will in Apollos, who notwithstanding would come when a convenient time
should offer, \\#1Co 16:12\\. Next follow several exhortations to be
upon their watch and guard, to be steadfast in the doctrine, grace,
and profession of faith, and to behave themselves like men of a truly
Christian spirit and courage, and to do everything in their
church state in the exercise of the grace of love, \\#1Co 16:13,14\\
and then he recommends unto them the family of Stephanas, and exhorts
them to have them in respect and reverence, and be subject to such,
and particularly that family; partly because they were the
firstfruits of his ministry, in those parts; and partly because they
had given up themselves to the ministry of the saints, \\#1Co 16:15,16\\
as also because the coming of Stephanas to him, together with two
other persons, named Fortunatus and Achaicus, had made him glad;
supplied what was lacking in them; had refreshed his spirit and
theirs; and therefore should be took notice of, and respectfully used,
\\#1Co 16:17,18\\. And then follow various salutations, first of the
churches of Asia in general, then of Aquila and Priscilla, and the
church in their house, \\#1Co 16:19\\. Next of all the brethren at
Ephesus, or that were with the apostle, \\#1Co 16:20\\ and last of all
of the apostle himself, \\#1Co 16:21\\. And the chapter is closed with
several wishes of different sorts, and which respect different
persons; those that love not Christ, and live and die so, he wishes
they may be accursed at the coming of the Lord, as they will be; and
which is mentioned to deter professors of religion from everything
that looked like want of love to Christ, whom they professed,
\\#1Co 16:22\\ as for others, even as many as loved Christ, and which he
hoped of them all, he wishes the grace of Christ might be with them,
\\#1Co 16:23\\ and gives his love to them all, without any
distinction; and which is to be understood not of a natural, but
spiritual affection, it being in Christ, and for his sake, \\#1Co 16:24\\.