1 Corinthians 16:5-18
5 But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia; for I am going through Macedonia,
6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go.
7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he has no reason to be afraid while among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am.
11 So do not look down on him, anyone. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly encouraged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.
13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
14 All that you do must be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters: you know the household of Stephanas, that they are the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to ministry to the saints;
16 I urge that you also be subject to such as these and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
17 I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
Paul’s Travel Plan
Plan to visit Corinth
From today’s passage, we learn that Paul was in Ephesus when he wrote this letter. He tells the Corinthians that he plans to visit them in the near future. (1) He plans to visit Macedonia before going to Corinth. (2) However, this does not mean that Paul is taking Corinth lightly. He plans to stay there for at least several months. Paul hopes that the Christians in Corinth will send him on his way to his next place of ministry. (3) However, Paul plans to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost. The reason is that a wide door for effective ministry has been opened to him. At the same time, there are many adversaries. Among those adversaries were craftsmen who made idols out of silver. Paul wrote this letter in the midst of his many concerns for the churches and the struggles of ministry. Here we see the devoted life of a servant of the Lord. Let us also move from the side of criticism to the side of constructive service.
Concerns for fellow workers
Next, Paul shows his concern for his fellow workers. (1) Concerning Timothy, Paul writes that if he comes to Corinth, they should make sure that he has no reason to be afraid while he is among them. The Christians in Corinth had treated Paul rather coldly (ref. 4:1, 8-13, etc.). If the same thing were to happen to Timothy, who was timid by nature, it would be very difficult for him. Paul was concerned about this. (2) Concerning Apollos, it appears that the Corinthian church had requested that he visit them. Paul and Apollos were ministering separately. Paul urged Apollos to go to Corinth, but Apollos declined. Perhaps he had heard reports of the divisions in the Corinthian church and concluded that it would not be wise for him to go at that time. All those who labor for the kingdom of God are fellow workers. Let us learn to build strong relationships with one another and to care for one another.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be a soldier of the kingdom of God. Please give me understanding so that I may build strong relationships with other Christians and discern who the true enemy is. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.