1 Corinthians 16
What Happens in This Chapter
Paul ends his letter with plans and instructions. He tells the church in Corinth how to save money each week for God's people in Jerusalem, and he explains when he hopes to visit them. He asks them to welcome Timothy, tells them what Apollos decided, and asks them to honor Stephanas and others who work hard. He closes with greetings from other churches and a greeting written in his own hand.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
1Now about the money you are collecting for God's people. Do what I told the churches in Galatia to do.
2Upon 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.
2On the first day of each week, set some money aside at home. Save what you can, based on how much God has given you. Then no collection will be needed when I come.
3And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
3When I come, you can choose some men you trust. I will give them letters. They will carry your gift to the city of Jerusalem.
4And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
4If it seems right for me to go too, they will travel with me.
5Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
5I will come to you after I travel through Macedonia. I am going through there.
6And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
6Maybe I will stay with you a while, or even all winter. Then you can help me on my way, wherever I go.
7For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
7I do not want to see you for only a quick visit. I hope to stay a while, if the Lord lets me.
8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
8But I will stay in the city of Ephesus until Pentecost, a feast day in early summer.
9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
9A wide door has opened for me here to do good work. But many people are against me.
10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
10If Timothy comes, make sure he has nothing to fear while he is with you. He does the Lord's work, just as I do.
11Let 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.
11So no one should look down on him. Send him on his way in peace, so he can come back to me. I am waiting for him and the other believers.
12As 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.
12Now about our brother Apollos. I asked him again and again to visit you with the others. He did not want to go right now. He will come when the time is right.
13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
13Stay awake and watch. Keep standing strong in your trust in God. Be brave. Be strong.
"Quit you like men" is old English for "be brave." It means act with courage, not that the words are only for men.
14Let all your things be done with charity.
14Do everything you do with love.
In 1611 English, "charity" meant love. Here it does not mean giving money, even though this chapter talks about a gift.
15I 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,)
15Brothers and sisters, I want to ask you something. You know Stephanas and the people who live in his house. They were the first in Achaia, a part of Greece, to believe. They have given themselves to helping God's people.
16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
16Please follow the lead of people like that. Do the same for everyone who works hard beside us.
17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
17I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came to me. They did for me what you were not here to do.
18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
18They gave rest to my heart, and to yours too. So show honor to men like them.
19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
19The churches in Asia say hello to you. Aquila and Priscilla send you warm greetings in the Lord. So does the church that meets in their house.
20All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
20All the believers here say hello. Greet each other with a holy kiss.
A kiss on the cheek was a normal friendly greeting back then, like a hug or a handshake today.
21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
21I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand.
22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
22If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be under a curse. Come, Lord!
"Anathema" means placed under a curse. "Maranatha" is an Aramaic word that means "Our Lord, come!"
23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
23May the kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
24My love is with all of you who belong to Christ Jesus. Amen, which means "let it be so."
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