Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 16
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Corinthians 16
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Corinthians 16
"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem: and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me. But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia; but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go. For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost; for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." — 1 Corinthians 16:1-9 (ASV)
The good examples of other Christians and churches should rouse us. It is good to store up for good uses. Those who are rich in this world should be rich in good works (1 Timothy 6:17, 18). The diligent hand will not make rich without the Divine blessing (Proverbs 10:4, 22). And what more proper to stir us up to charity to the people and children of God, than to look at all we have as his gift?
Works of mercy are real fruits of true love to God, and are therefore proper services on his own day. Ministers are doing their proper business when promoting or helping works of charity. The heart of a Christian minister must be towards the people among whom he has laboured long, and with success.
All our purposes must be made with submission to the Divine providence (James 4:15). Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by the hardness of his hearers' hearts, and the backslidings of professors, than by the enemies' attempts.
"Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do: let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren. But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not all [his] will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity." — 1 Corinthians 16:10-12 (ASV)
Timothy came to do the work of the Lord. Therefore, to trouble his spirit would be to grieve the Holy Spirit; to despise him would be to despise the One who sent him. Those who work the work of the Lord should be treated with tenderness and respect. Faithful ministers will not be jealous of each other. It is fitting for the ministers of the gospel to show concern for each other's reputation and usefulness.
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all that ye do be done in love. Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints), that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth. And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such." — 1 Corinthians 16:13-18 (ASV)
A Christian is always in danger and therefore should always be on the watch. He should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert or give it up. By this faith alone he will be able to keep his ground in an hour of temptation.
Christians should be careful that charity not only reigns in their hearts but also shines in their lives. There is a great difference between Christian firmness and mere feverish warmth or emotional excitement.
The apostle gave particular directions regarding some who served the cause of Christ among them. Those who serve the saints, those who desire the honor of the churches and to remove reproaches from them, are to be highly esteemed and loved. They should willingly acknowledge the worth of such individuals, and of all who labored with or helped the apostle.
"The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." — 1 Corinthians 16:19-24 (ASV)
Christianity by no means destroys civility. Religion should promote a courteous and obliging disposition towards all. Those who take encouragement from it to be sour and morose give a false idea of religion and reproach it. Christian salutations are not mere empty compliments but are real expressions of goodwill to others, and commend them to the Divine grace and blessing. Every Christian family should be as a Christian church.
Wherever two or three are gathered together in the name of Christ, and he is among them, there is a church. Here is a solemn warning. Many who have Christ's name often in their mouths have no true love for him in their hearts. No one truly loves him who does not love his laws and keep his commandments.
Many who are Christians in name do not love Christ Jesus the Lord in sincerity. Such people are separated from the people of God and the favor of God. Those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ must perish without remedy. Let us not rest in any religious profession where there is not the love of Christ, earnest desires for his salvation, gratitude for his mercies, and obedience to his commandments.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ contains all that is good, for time and for eternity. To wish that our friends have this grace with them is to wish them the utmost good. And this we should wish for all our friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. We can wish them nothing greater, and we should wish them nothing less. True Christianity makes us wish those whom we love the blessings of both worlds; this is what is meant by wishing the grace of Christ to be with them.
The apostle had dealt plainly with the Corinthians and told them of their faults with just severity; but he concludes in love, and with a solemn profession of his love for them for Christ's sake. May our love be with all who are in Christ Jesus. Let us examine whether all things appear worthless to us when compared with Christ and his righteousness.
Do we indulge in any known sin, or in the neglect of any known duty? By such inquiries, faithfully made, we may judge the state of our souls.
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