"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 that 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; they should give 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 approved representatives 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 (23-24)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
Move your mouse pointer underneath each question to see the answer.

1) List the main points of this chapter.






2) What was the purpose of the collection? (1)



3) When was the collection to be taken? (2)



4) What was the purpose of doing it this way? (2)



5) What principle concerning giving is taught in verse two? (2)



6) When did Paul plan to go to Corinth? (5-8)




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



8) What noble comments are made concerning Stephanus, Fortunatus, and
   Achaicus (15-18)




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



10) What grave warning does Paul give in this chapter? (22)



11) What earnest wish does Paul express in this chapter? (22)



12) How does Paul close this epistle that is filled with so much
    rebuke for the error that existed in the church at Corinth? (24)