1 Corinthians 16, New King James Version (NKJV) is a great chapter!
Here's the text:
**1 Corinthians 16:1-24**
**Giving and Finances**
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also do. On the first day of every week let each one of you lay aside from what he has earned, putting it aside himself, so that when I come, the needs are met and that nothing will be a burden to anyone.
2 Now concerning the things which are sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.
3 And if anyone thinks evil of you, do not be unequally matched, but with one’s own good works counteract them, knowing that your labor is not in vain, for God has loved us and given His angels charge over you to guard you and keep you safe;
4 Therefore, as the matters were resolved concerning me by my fellow workers’ discussions, I have decided to go to Macedonia—no doubt they will help out with the matter of providing you with what you need. After all, I have no further orders from those in Judea about your aid.
5 Now I am going to send one well recommended and trusted in the Lord to be of good assistance to me on this business, namely, brother Epaphroditus, who is a servant of Christ Jesus.
6 But he is a man of great encouragement to me, and does not fear what happens. Therefore I want you to send him to Macedonia and let him help in some way as he sees the needs of the people.
7 So I have sent him with my advice, for it seems necessary that this kind of business be carried out on behalf of the saints.
1 Corinthians 16 is a chapter in the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians, which was written by Paul the Apostle to the early Christian church in Corinth, Greece. The chapter focuses on several practical matters and instructions for the church.
Here are some key points from 1 Corinthians 16:
**Gathering together**: The chapter begins with an encouragement to gather together regularly (vs. 1-3). Paul reminds them that it is essential to come together as a community of believers, rather than just meeting individually or in small groups.
**Collection for the Jerusalem church**: Paul mentions the collection being taken up for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem (vs. 1-4). This collection was an important matter, and Paul gives instructions on how it should be handled.
**Instructions for the day of worship**: The chapter includes some practical guidance for the day of worship (Sunday). Paul says that they should come together early enough to eat a meal before the Lord's Supper (vs. 5-11).
**Maranatha**: In verse 22, Paul writes "If any of you have faith to believe that anything we say in Jesus is correct or true, and also that we are with the Lord, then that one should not hinder us from coming to Macedonia." This phrase has been translated as "Maranatha," which means "Come, our Lord!" It's a beautiful expression of Paul's longing for Christ's return.
**Closing greetings**: The chapter concludes with some closing greetings and final words of encouragement (vs. 21-24). Paul gives instructions on how to respond to the collection, and he expresses his love and blessings upon the church.
Overall, 1 Corinthians 16 emphasizes the importance of community, giving, and worship in the life of a Christian. It also provides practical guidance for living out one's faith in everyday situations.
A great passage!
1 Corinthians 16:1-24 (NIV) says:
**About the Collection for Jerusalem**
Now, brothers and sisters, about the collection for God’s people: Do what has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us. This will result in honor not only to you but also to us, as we have come to expect from the churches of Macedonia—namely, that they are eager and obedient to give more than what would be asked of them, whatever they can spare.
Your giving in a willing manner has been a wonderful encouragement for many people. While it is true that other churches were participating in this effort, it is also true that you were the first to start doing something. Now I want you to finish what you started by doing exactly as I have no doubt they will do. Since you excel in everything—the faith they are talking about all over the world—and yours see how these glorious things happened among them, mine fellow believers, I want you to know that our people in Macedonia and Achaia were eager to share their resources with you for the work of God.
And now, brothers and sisters, we ask you as well: Finish what you started! Complete every good work you have begun. For if you don’t, your enemies will trample all over you. And that’s exactly what I don’t want to happen.
**About Timing**
Now, it is not necessary for me to write to you about these matters, for you yourselves are full of goodness and know what commands the Lord our God gives you: Don’t cause anyone else to stumble and make sure no one is looking down on your good work. Whatever I have written in my letters to you, I hope this will be taken as a rule when you get together to worship the Lord and give thanks for me and all the other followers of Christ.
**About the Day of Worship**
When you come together to worship, it’s not just one day that counts; every time you eat the bread and drink the cup, you’re participating in Jesus’ sacrifice. So anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
**About Timothy**
So then, my brothers and sisters, whenever you gather to worship, use these words as a rule: I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you. The essential truth of the gospel was passed down to me by those who had already had it passed along to them—and now I’m passing it along to you too.
**About Apollos**
And when we arrived at Cenchrea, some Greeks joined us. Atoning for sins and purifying hearts was a big deal with God back then. You know how the whole Jewish community stood by each other in prayer for my good health? Well, I don’t have any need to write you about this, because you are eager to help—and you have indeed helped. Now when we arrived at Corinth, Titus went with me and presented your generous gift of love. The churches that took part in the offering were generous, giving according to their means and making a sacrifice. They did so voluntarily, not under compulsion.
**About Final Instructions**
And now, brothers and sisters, finish the work so eagerly anticipated by the Messiah Jesus—that you willfully keep doing until I arrive. Keep standing firm in the faith, be brave, and keep your hearts full of hope. You see how these glorious things happened among them, mine fellow believers.
Another great reference!
"Be of one mind, have the same purpose, and let no divisions occur among you. Be united in your convictions, and let them be as a single person." (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, ISV)
In this passage, Paul is emphasizing the importance of unity and harmony within the Corinthian church. He's reminding them that they are all part of one body, with Christ as their head (Ephesians 4:15). Unity is not just about agreeing on everything, but also about being in alignment with God's purposes.
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to:
1. **Be of one mind**: Have a shared understanding and perspective, without divisions or factions.
2. **Have the same purpose**: Strive for the same goals and objectives, which are rooted in Christ.
3. **Let no divisions occur among you**: Avoid creating artificial barriers or separating themselves from each other.
By following these principles, the Corinthians would be able to demonstrate their love for one another, just as Jesus demonstrated His love for them (John 13:34-35).
I think there may be a mistake!
There is no book or chapter "2 Corinthians 16" in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. The correct books and chapters in the Pauline Epistles are:
* 1 Corinthians (chapters 1-16)
* 2 Corinthians (chapters 1-13)
It's possible that you may be thinking of a different book or verse, or perhaps there was an error in transcription or communication. If you could provide more context or clarify what you're looking for, I'd be happy to try and assist you further!
A great choice!
**1 Corinthians 16: KJV Commentary**
This chapter is the final one in the epistle to the Corinthian church. It deals with various practical matters and concludes with a few exhortations.
**Verse 1-3:** Paul instructs the Corinthian believers to contribute to the collection for the Jerusalem saints, as they had previously planned. He emphasizes that this is not a command, but rather an act of willing generosity (16:2).
* "Now concerning the collection" - This phrase indicates a shift from theological matters to practical ones.
* "Upon the first day of the week" - Paul suggests that they should set aside their tithe on Sunday, the Lord's Day, as a reminder of Christ's resurrection.
**Verse 4-5:** The Corinthians are instructed to keep this collection separate from other offerings. This emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between sacred and secular funds.
* "That there be no gatherings when I am present" - Paul does not want his presence at their worship services to cause unnecessary distractions or embarrassment.
* "To avoid being accused of covetousness" - Some might accuse him of wanting the money for personal gain, so he makes it clear that this is a separate matter.
**Verse 6-8:** Timothy and Erastus are mentioned as fellow workers who will join Paul in Corinth. This serves to establish their credibility and demonstrate Paul's connection with them.
* "To go forth unto Macedonia" - This journey was likely undertaken during the winter of A.D. 55-56.
* "Come to you from Judea" - Erastus, a Macedonian, would have been familiar with the region.
**Verse 9-11:** Paul's travel plans are outlined. He will go through Macedonia and then Greece before heading to Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He intends to visit Rome after that.
* "I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost" - This delay was likely due to the importance of his work at Ephesus.
* "To preach the gospel, not privately" - Paul's ministry was not confined to personal discussions; he wanted to proclaim the Gospel publicly.
**Verse 12-14:** Paul gives a farewell blessing and charge to the Corinthian believers. He reminds them that God is able to make them stand in Christ's presence, just as He had stood with them throughout their faith journey.
* "Now I will come unto you" - This statement likely refers to Paul's planned visit (16:5-8).
* "I will know your order, and that which is best for me" - Paul would be aware of the Corinthians' spiritual condition and adjust his approach accordingly.
**Verse 15-24:** The closing verses of the epistle contain a few final exhortations:
* "As touching brother Apollos" - Paul's relationship with this prominent Christian leader was likely strained due to rumors or misunderstandings.
* "Watch, stand fast in the faith" - This is an urgent call for the Corinthians to remain steadfast in their faith.
* "Let all that ye do, be done with love" - Love should be the motivation behind every action.
This concluding chapter emphasizes the importance of unity, generosity, and spiritual vigilance. It also provides valuable insights into Paul's travel plans, his relationships with fellow Christians, and the ongoing development of his ministry.
A great choice!
1 Corinthians 15 is one of the most important and influential passages in the Bible, particularly for Christian theology. Here's a breakdown:
**The Resurrection of Christ (vs. 1-8)**
Paul begins by affirming the historical fact of Jesus' death and resurrection. He lists several people who witnessed these events, including the Twelve apostles, more than five hundred brothers, and James and all the apostles (v. 5-7). Paul emphasizes that if there was no resurrection, then Christianity is futile (v. 17).
**The Resurrection of Believers (vs. 20-22)**
Paul writes that just as Jesus was raised from the dead, so too will believers be raised when Christ returns. This new body will be like the one Jesus has now, and we'll be free from sin and its consequences.
**The Order of Events (vs. 23-28)**
Paul explains the order of events: first, Christ's resurrection; then, those who have fallen asleep in Christ will be raised; finally, believers still living will be changed and caught up to meet the Lord in the air.
**The Final State (vs. 35-49)**
In this section, Paul describes the final state of believers. He uses imagery from agriculture and architecture to explain that just as seeds are planted, grow, and eventually bear fruit, so too will our bodies be raised and transformed into glorious new bodies. The imperfections of the present will give way to a perfect, eternal life in harmony with God.
**The Importance of Persevering Hope (vs. 50-58)**
Paul concludes by emphasizing the importance of perseverance, encouraging believers to hold fast to their hope without wavering. He reminds them that they are not ultimately citizens of this world but rather of heaven, where Christ is seated at God's right hand.
**The Authority of Scripture (vs. 56-58)**
Finally, Paul appeals to the authority of Scripture itself: "Therefore, my dear friends, stand firm and keep a clear conscience, so that those who speak badly of you will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us" (v. 58). He's saying, in effect, that if we stand by the truth of God's Word, we won't need to worry about what others think or say.
1 Corinthians 15 is a powerful passage that has shaped Christian theology and practice for centuries. Its themes of resurrection, hope, and perseverance continue to inspire and motivate believers around the world.
There is no 1 Corinthians 17 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. The book of 1 Corinthians only has 16 chapters, and there is no chapter or verse labeled as "17".
It's possible that you may be thinking of a different version of the Bible or a paraphrased text that includes an additional chapter or verse. Alternatively, it could be a mistake or misinterpretation.
If you can provide more context or clarify what you are looking for, I'll do my best to help you.