1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16:1-4

tive, is the Lord from heaven, coming from thence to take our nature upon him, is now returned thither with his nature glorified, and we expect him to come from thence to make us like himself. As is the earthy, such are they alys that are earthy; as Adam’s body was, he must ours be, who sprung from him, mortal and corruptible; and as is the heavenly, such are they alys that are heavenly, as many as are born from above, and made partakers of a divine nature, shall be conformed in their bodies to their Lord, and shall shortly be glorified together. And as we have born the image of the earthy, by nature the children of corruption, sprung from a fallen parent, and like him must return to dull, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly, as many as are he hath united to Jesus, and renewed in the spirit of their minds, shall bear shortly his bright image in their bodies as well as shall be ever.

50. Now this I say, brethren, that ‘flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51. Behold, I flare you a mystery; ‘We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump (for the trumpet shall found) and the dead shall be rabid incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. 55. ‘O death, where is thy fling? O grave, where is thy victory? 56. The fling of death is fin; and ’the strength of fin is the law. 57. But thanks be to God, ‘which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58. ‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, ‘be ye flesfall, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forelimbeth ‘as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. v. 50-58. The apostle here,

51. Given the reason of the change which he had described. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood, such as our bodies are at present, cannot inherit the kingdom of God; they are unable to bear the eternal weight of glory, and incapable of calling the delights, or being employed in the services of that best world in which we go. Neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. The body must be refined from its corruptible deeds, before it can enter upon or enjoy the incorruptible inheritance.

52. He informs them of a secret unknown to them. Behold, I show you a mystery, we shall not all sleep in the dull, but we shall all be changed; on as many of his people as shall be found alive at Christ’s last appearing, a change will pass equivalent to death and resurrection, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, when the voice of Jesus shall awake the dead. For the trumpet shall found, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed, our bodies undergoing a happy alteration in their qualities, though preserving their identity; for this corruptible body, which we carry about, must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality, that we may be capable of enjoying that celestial happiness for which we are designed.

53. When this awful iration comes, then shall death be for ever abolished. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that in written, Ha. xxv. 8. Death is swallowed up in victory. And that king of terror shall be so utterly dismayed, that he shall never more be able to lift his arm against one of the redeemed; and, in the prospect of this glorious day, the faithful soul can even now antedate his eternal triumphs, and exulting, cry, O death, where is thy fling? I defy it. O grave, where is thy victory? I rise immortal, and tread thee beneath my feet for ever.

54. The ground of the believer’s triumph is here declared. The fling of death is fin; this arms the member with all his terror; and the strength of fin is the law, binding over the transfusion to a future judgment, and not merely denouncing bodily death as the wages of sin, but passing sentence of eternal death, and consigning body and soul to hell. But thanks be to God which growth as the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. In his ardent name we lift up our banners; in his righteousness we make our boat; since he hath died in our stead, he hath led our captivity captive; though we see corruption in the grave, death cannot hold dominion over us; we shall rise glorious and immortal; and, through our dear Redeemer’s power and grace, come and reign with him in glory everlasting. Note. (1.) Death is no longer dreadful, when the fling of sin, through the amusing blood, is taken out of the conscience. We shall find in the grave the golden gates of life and immortality, which open into the paradise of God. (2.) That which will be the subject of our everlasting praises, should now be the matter of our songs; and since the victory is actually obtained, we should antecedate the triumphs of eternity, and to our Redeemer’s honour whom him in the full assurance of the conquest which he hath completed.

Vox. II.

5. He closes the whole with a warm exhortation arising from the foregoing discourse. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye flesfall, firm and unwavering in the faith and hope of the gospel, especially in the great doctrines of the atoning death, and resurrection of Jesus, with the lawful effects thence flowing of our immortal life and glory; unmoveable by any of the artifices of Satan, the craft of seducers, or the corruptions of your own hearts, founded on the rock which storms afall in vain; always abounding in the work of the Lord, zealously and abidingly engaged in his service, cheerful and willing to undergo any sufferings, in spite of every opposition, increasing with the increase of God; heaving, as the most assured truth, that your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord, but that he, to whom you are by faith united as your living head of vital influence, will strengthen, uphold, and own you in life, in death; and after death, raise up your bodies to immortal life, and bellow the never-fading crown of righteousness and glory upon you, the reward, not indeed of debt, but of grace. Note. (1.) Our practice will bear pace always with the strength of our faith; the more sure and realizing our views of eternal things are, the more vigorously shall we perish towards the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. (2.) It is the strongest encouragement to labour for the Lord, because we are sure to succeed in his service. (3.) Whatever we do or suffer for Christ, we shall never regret it in a resurrection day, and shall only then be ashamed that we have loved him no more, and served him no better.

C H A P. XVI.

In this chapter the apostle, (1.) Given direction about some charitable collection to be made, ver. 1-5. (2.) He talks of making them a visit, ver. 6-10. (3.) He recommends Timothy to them, and tells them apostle intended to come to them, ver. 11-13. (4.) He presses them to watch/shooly, confusing, charity, and to pay a due regard to all who helped him, and his fellow-labourers in their work, ver. 14-19. (5.) After salutations from others, and his own, he prays the apostle with a solemn admonition to them, and his good wishes for them, ver. 20, to the end.

1. NOW concerning the ’the collection for the saints,’ as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2. Upon ’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. 3. And when I come, whomsoever you shall approve by your letters, ’them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. 4. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

The church at Jerusalem having undergone peculiar oppression and sufferings, and many of the saints being reduced to great poverty, the Gentile brethren, at the apostles’ obligation, generously contributed for their relief.

Now as concerning the collection for the saints in Judea, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Since in wealth the Corinthians exceeded the Galatians, and in spiritual gifts were so eminent, it would be a shame if they came behind in benevolence and charity. Upon the first day of the week, the day held sacred among Christians, and hallowed by their solemn assemblies, for every one of you lay by him in store, contributing to the collection for the poor, as God hath prospered him, each according to their ability; the rich more abundantly, and they who have little, cheerfully giving a portion out of that little, that there be no gatherings when I come. And, being thus in readiness, when I come, whomsoever you shall approve by your letters, and recommend to faithful men, then will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem, concerning in your recommendation. And if it be meet, and judged necessary for this benevolent design, that I go also, they shall go with me. Note. (1.) Every Christian is bound, according to his abilities, to minister to the necessities of his brethren. (2.) All our success comes from God’s precious providence, and is gratefully to be acknowledged. (3.) The more we receive from God, the more are we called, as good stewards, to improve it for his glory, and the advantage of our brethren.

5. Now I will come unto you, ‘when I shall pass through Macedonia: (for I do pass through Macedonia) 6. And it may be that I will abide, yea and winter with you, that ‘ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. 7. For I will not see you now by the way, but I trust to tarry a while with you, ‘if the Lord permit. 8. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

1 Corinthians 16:5-9

The apostle, in his own mind, had planned a visit to Corinth, of which he informs them, though Providence prevented, at this time, the execution of his design.

Now I will unto unto you, such is my present intention, if the Lord please, when I shall pass through Macedonia, for I do purpose soon to pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide a considerable time among you, yea and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go, returning to your

former affection, and testifying your weaned respect for me, notwithstanding those prejudices which the false teachers have laboured to instill. For I will not see you unto in the way (or unwedw) to make a transient visit, which would not answer the real I propose of settling your affairs, establishing you in the truth, and enjoying your company; but I trust to tarry a noble with you, if the Lord permit, at whose disposal I am, and by whose providence I desire ever to be directed. But I will tarry at Ephelos (from whence he seems to have written this epistle) until Pontouf, either till that fault was paid, or till its approach, when he intended to be at Jerusalem, a great concour of Jews from all parts assembling there at that reason. And the reason for his long stay at Ephelos he gives; for a great deal and effectual it opened unto me, a signal blessing hath attended my labours, and great multitudes are by the Spirit converted to the faith of Christ, and, as might be expected, there are many adversaries, both Jews and Gentiles, who, instigated by Satan, oppose with all their might and craft the progress of the gospel, against whom he chose personally to stand up, and boldly to vindicate the glorious cause. Note, (1.) Wherever Christ is preached successfully, there the malice and cunning of earth and hell will be exerted, to stop the rising interest of truth and godliness. (2.) Success in our labours is a great argument and encouragement boldly to persevere. (3.) Faithful ministers, asfited of being daunted by outward opposition, have their seal but the more kindled. What weakens their hands and discourages their hearts, is the unfaithfulness of propellers, and the insensibility of their hearers.

10. Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for ’ he wreck the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11. Let ’ 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. 12. As touching our brother ’ Apollus, 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.

1 Corinthians 16:10-12

The apostle here,

1. Recommends Timothy to them, who was sent on his journey to Corinth. If Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear of any infalt from any of the factious leaders; regard him with affection, treat him with respect, and hear him with attention: for he wreck the work of the Lord, as I also do, zealous for the cause of the same divine matter, and tried and found faithful. Let no man therefore despise him because of his youth, slight his reproofs, or think lightly of his ministry, but conduct him forth in peace; give him a proof of your affection and esteem, by providing him with necessaries for his journey, and bringing him on his way, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren, either I and the brethren have expended him, or I desire his return with the brethren who may accompany him better. Note, Young ministers should be encouraged, not despised; and their ministrations, though without the sanction of grey hairs, yet, seconded with the weight of seal and piety, deserve the most serious attention.

2. He informs them that Apollus declined a visit to them at pettion, though he had earnestly pressed him there to. As touching our brother Apollus, 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 unless he shall have convenient time. Though a party at Corinth had affected to set up Apollus in preference to Paul, the apostle entertained no jealousy of his brother-labours, assured that he never would encourage but discountenance such a spirit of division. The faithful ministers of Christ will not harbour mean alluded to each other; no, not though those who love us now discord among brethren, endeavour to instill hate suspicions. On the other hand, Apollus, probably not of respect to his honoured brother Paul, declined at that time the visit, least, in the present all disposition of the Corinthians, it might be abused by those who wanted to make him the head of a party. Though when the present feuds were subsided, he meant to go thither, and labour among them. Such a spirit of love should ministers cultivate, jealous for each other’s reputation as their own, and frowning on every flatterer that would attempt to raise their credit at the expense of their brother.

3. " Watch ye, ’ stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, ’ be strong. 14. ’ Let all your things be done with charity. 15. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that ’ it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to ’ the ministry of the slings). 16. That ’ ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us and laboureth. 17. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus, and Achacicus: for ’ that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore ’ acknowledge ye them that are such.

1 Corinthians 16:13-18

The apostle proceeds,

1. To some general exhortations. Watch ye against every enemy of your souls, especially those who would seduce you from the doctrines of truth; stand fast in the faith, grounded and settled in the hope of the gospel, so as never to be moved from your holy profession; put you like men, with wisdom, seal, and fidelity, in the midst of the opposition of enemies, and the shares of deceivers; be strong in the grace which is in Jesus Christ, exercising yourselves unto godliness, and fighting manfully under the Lord’s banners, against every enemy within and without. And which you must draw yourselves courageous for the truth, let all your things be done in charity, and let a spirit of mckeness temper all your zeal. Note, (1.) A Christian is compelled with enemies; he need be ever on his guard. (2.) When we are firmly established in the principles of the gospel, no danger or sufferings will deter us from the path of duty. (3.) Charity is the great ornament of our profession; to bear with the pervertents of mistakes friends, and mouldy to sustain the attacks of avowed enemies, is to be like our matter.

2. He commends to their particular regard the house of Stephanas. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, converted by one ministry, and whom I baptised myself, and that they have subsided themselves to the ministry of the slings), laying themselves out in the Lord’s immediate service, and zealously employed in assisting his people to their utmost, both in their temporal and spiritual concerns; I beseech you, brethren, that ye submit yourselves to such, directed by them, imitating their examples, and not led away by upstart teachers; and that ye in like manner reverence, regard, and attend to, every one that helpeth with us and laboureth to promote the interests of the same divine matter, and the obliteration of your souls.

3. He testifies his satisfaction in the good account he had lately heard concerning them. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus, and Achacicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they have supplied; giving the apostle a more clear than of the matter than was conveyed in the letter they brought, and explaining things much to her satisfaction, which reports had greatly exaggerated. Note, It is a great joy to every minister and Christians’ heart to hear unpassable reports of their brethren contradicted by those who are best acquainted with their circumstances.

4. He enjoins them to respect those faithful men at their return. For they have refreshed my spirit by their conversation, and the accounts they have given; and this cannot but afford a like satisfaction to yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such, and shew them that respect and regard, which their kind, candid, and charitable construction of your conduct merits at your hands. Note, Good offices done us demand a grateful return.

5. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with ’ the church that is in their house. 20. All the brethren greet you. ’ Greet ye one another with an holy kris. 21. ’ The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. 22. ’ If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maran-atha. 23. ’ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ as with you. 24. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

1 Corinthians 16:19-24

St. Paul closes his epistle.

1. With affectionate salutations. All the churches of Asia salute you, cordially wishing you every blessing of the everlasting gospel. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house, even all the members of that amicable family which compose a little church among themselves; and such a family is happy indeed. All the brethren salute you with warm affection. Greet ye one another with an holy kris. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. And then he signs what his emmanents wrote from his lips, as genuine and authentic.

2. He subjoins a solemn warning. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, he has eminence of station never so great, his gifts never so extraordinary, his profession never so glaring, if his heart be unfound, his principles erroneous, and his practice dishonourable to the gospel, fomenting divisions, puffed up with pride, and at bottom an apostate, let him be anathema, maran-atha, excommunicated from the body of the faithful, and consigned over to that fearful judgment, which the righteous Lord, in the day of his appearing and glory, will inflict on such impenitent offenders. Note, (1.) It is not enough to be Christians in word and tongue; do we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity? that is the question. (2.) None link under heaven vengeance than those who have been false and faithless to their holy profession.

3. He concludes with his usual benediction and prayer. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, and therein is comprehended every blessing in time and in eternity. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Sharply as I have been constrained to rebuke you, in him I love you affectionately, and every thing I have said down from the most unfeigned desire to promote your present and eternal happiness. Amen! May this be the happy issue. Believe my kind intentions and regard; join with me in my prayers, and then the issue shall be peace.

THE 2017年1月1日