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  • New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

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Overview of 1 Corinthians

    • H. CONCLUDING REMARKS (16:1-24)

      • Collection for Christians in Jerusalem (16:1-4)

      • Paul’s travel plans (16:5-9)

      • Planned visits of Timothy and Apollos (16:10-12)

      • Exhortations and greetings (16:13-24)

1 Corinthians 16:1

  • the collection: The Greek word lo·giʹa, rendered “collection,” occurs only twice in the Bible, at 1Co 16:1, 2. The context and Paul’s choice of words indicate that the collection likely involved money, not food or clothing. In saying “the collection,” he suggests that this was a special collection, one already known to the Corinthians. It appears that this collection was taken especially in behalf of the Judean Christians, who were hard-pressed at the time.​—1Co 16:3; Ga 2:10.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 24:17; Ro 15:26; 2Co 8:3, 4; Ga 2:10
  • +Ac 18:23

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 487-488

    The Watchtower,

    11/1/1998, p. 24

  • Publications Index

    it-1 487-488; w98 11/1 24;

    ad 364

1 Corinthians 16:2

  • the first day of every week: Paul here probably refers to the day following the Jewish Sabbath. He thus recommended that each Christian in Corinth make it a priority, starting early in the week, to set something aside to donate to those in need. Each Christian would offer his donation privately and according to his own means. (1Co 16:1) Paul was not, as some have suggested, setting up Sunday as the new Sabbath day for Christians.​—Col 2:16, 17.

Marginal References

  • +2Co 9:5

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Bible Questions Answered, article 88

    Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook,

    11/2023, p. 3

    Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 55

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 487-488, 503

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 832

    The Watchtower,

    12/15/2013, p. 14

    7/15/2008, pp. 27-28

    12/1/2002, p. 5

    11/1/2002, p. 30

    11/1/1998, p. 24

    12/1/1994, p. 17

    1/15/1992, p. 17

    4/15/1991, p. 27

    12/1/1989, p. 24

    12/15/1986, p. 30

    12/1/1986, p. 30

    Kingdom Ministry,

    1/2002, p. 2

  • Publications Index

    ijwbq article 88; mwb23.11 3; lff lesson 55; it-1 487-488, 503; it-2 832; w13 12/15 14; w08 7/15 27-28; w02 11/1 30; w02 12/1 5; km 1/02 2; w98 11/1 24; w94 12/1 17; w92 1/15 17; w91 4/15 27; w89 12/1 24; w86 12/1 30; w86 12/15 30;

    w83 12/1 22; w77 532; ad 364, 1426; g66 3/8 28; w63 278; w62 631; w61 279, 678; g56 8/22 6; w53 267; w45 360

1 Corinthians 16:3

  • I will send the men . . . to take your kind gift to Jerusalem: About 55 C.E., the Christians in Judea had fallen into poverty, so Paul supervised the collection of relief funds from the congregations in Galatia, Macedonia, and Achaia. (1Co 16:1, 2; 2Co 8:1, 4; 9:1, 2) When he set out on the long journey to Jerusalem in 56 C.E. to deliver the contribution, Paul was accompanied by a number of men. The group were carrying money entrusted to them by several congregations, each of which may have supplied men to accompany Paul. (Ac 20:3, 4; Ro 15:25, 26) Such a large company may have been needed for security because robbers posed a threat to safe passage. (2Co 11:26) Since only approved men would be delivering the collected funds along with Paul, there would not be any reason to suspect these men of misusing the funds. Those giving the contributions could be confident that the money would be used properly.​—2Co 8:20.

Marginal References

  • +2Co 8:19

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    7/15/1998, p. 7

    12/1/1989, p. 24

  • Publications Index

    w98 7/15 7; w89 12/1 24;

    w77 530-531

1 Corinthians 16:4

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    7/15/1998, p. 7

    12/1/1989, p. 24

  • Publications Index

    w98 7/15 7; w89 12/1 24

1 Corinthians 16:5

  • Macedonia: See Glossary, “Macedonia”; App. B13.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 19:21; 2Co 1:15, 16

1 Corinthians 16:7

  • if Jehovah permits: This expression and similar ones used in the Christian Greek Scriptures emphasize the need to take God’s will into account when doing or planning to do something.​—Heb 6:3; Jas 4:15; see study note on 1Co 4:19; for the use of the divine name in this phrase, see App. C3 introduction; 1Co 16:7.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 20:2

1 Corinthians 16:8

  • I am remaining in Ephesus: These words of Paul offer strong proof that he wrote this letter while in Ephesus. Indirect evidence supporting the same conclusion is found at 1Co 16:19, where Paul adds to his own greetings those of Aquila and Prisca (Priscilla). According to Ac 18:18, 19, that couple had moved from Corinth to Ephesus.

    the Festival of Pentecost: See Glossary, “Pentecost,” and App. B15.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 19:1

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    2003 Yearbook, p. 3

    “All Scripture,” p. 210

  • Publications Index

    yb03 3; si 210

1 Corinthians 16:9

  • a large door that leads to activity: This is one of three instances in which Paul uses the term “door” in a figurative sense. (2Co 2:12; Col 4:3; see study note on Ac 14:27.) Paul’s activity in Ephesus had an impact on the preaching efforts in the whole region. He spent some three years in Ephesus (c. 52-55 C.E.), and one result was that the good news of the Kingdom spread throughout the Roman province of Asia. (Ac 19:10, 26; see Glossary, “Asia.”) The cities of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, which lay inland from Ephesus, heard the good news, though Paul evidently did not visit them in person. He may have sent Epaphras to open up the preaching work there. (Col 4:12, 13) It seems possible that the good news likewise reached the cities of Philadelphia, Thyatira, and Sardis during this time of great activity.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 19:10, 11

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    12/15/2008, p. 18

    12/15/1990, p. 23

    2003 Yearbook, pp. 3-5

  • Publications Index

    w08 12/15 18; yb03 3-5; w90 12/15 23;

    w63 338; w48 310; w30 292

1 Corinthians 16:10

  • the work of Jehovah: Paul is here referring to the work, or ministry, that God had given him and Timothy. As Paul mentions at 1Co 3:9, Christians have the privilege of being “God’s fellow workers.”​—For the use of the divine name in this expression, see App. C3 introduction; 1Co 16:10.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 16:1, 2
  • +Php 2:19, 20

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    5/15/2009, p. 15

  • Publications Index

    w09 5/15 15;

    w83 3/1 10

1 Corinthians 16:11

Indexes

  • Publications Index

    w83 3/1 10

1 Corinthians 16:12

  • Now concerning Apollos our brother: It appears that Apollos must have been in or near Ephesus, where Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. Apollos had been preaching in Corinth earlier (Ac 18:24–19:1a), and the Corinthians held Apollos in great esteem. Though Paul urged him to visit the Corinthian congregation, Apollos did not intend to go to Corinth at that time. He may have feared stirring up further division in the congregation (1Co 1:10-12), or he may still have had work to do where he was. At any rate, Paul’s brief statement about “Apollos our brother” shows that these two active missionaries had not allowed the factions in the congregation in Corinth to cause a breach in their own unity, as some Bible commentators have suggested.​—1Co 3:4-9, 21-23; 4:6, 7.

    with the brothers: Some have suggested that “brothers” may refer to Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who visited Paul in Ephesus (1Co 16:17, 18) and who possibly then delivered this letter to Corinth.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 18:24, 25; 1Co 1:12

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 126

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/1996, p. 22

  • Publications Index

    it-1 126; w96 10/1 22;

    w82 10/1 11; ad 90; g65 12/8 28; w62 351

1 Corinthians 16:13

  • carry on in a manly way: Or “be courageous.” The Greek word used here (an·driʹzo·mai) is a verb drawn from the noun a·nerʹ, meaning “a man; a male.” While it literally means “to act like a man,” the primary idea is that of being courageous or brave, which is how it is rendered in many translations. Paul wrote these words to all in the congregation, so women too were to show such courage. Although Paul here encourages Christians to show manly courage, he also describes himself and his companions as being “gentle” and acting like “a nursing mother.” (1Th 2:7) The Greek verb an·driʹzo·mai occurs only here in the Christian Greek Scriptures, but it is used more than 20 times in the Septuagint to render synonymous Hebrew expressions that mean “be courageous; be strong.” For example, it is used three times at De 31:6, 7, 23, where Moses commanded the people and Joshua to “be courageous.” It is also used three times at Jos 1:6, 7, 9, where Jehovah told Joshua to “be . . . strong.”

Footnotes

  • *

    Or “be (grow) strong.”

Marginal References

  • +1Th 5:6
  • +1Co 15:58; Php 1:27
  • +Ac 4:29
  • +Eph 6:10; Col 1:11

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    9/15/2015, pp. 13-17

    1/1/2003, pp. 18-19

    4/1/2002, pp. 15, 27-28

    4/15/1990, pp. 26-28

    Awake!,

    4/22/2000, p. 15

    Kingdom Ministry,

    2/2000, p. 8

  • Publications Index

    w15 9/15 13-17; w03 1/1 18-19; w02 4/1 15, 27-28; g00 4/22 15; km 2/00 8; w90 4/15 26-28;

    w82 10/1 22-26, 28-31; g82 5/22 26; km 4/80 3; w79 1/1 12-13, 15, 17; w74 110-111; w65 272; w61 190; w58 603; w57 145, 148-149, 151, 154

1 Corinthians 16:14

Marginal References

  • +1Co 13:4; 1Pe 4:8

Indexes

  • Publications Index

    g78 8/8 28; w59 17; w57 156

1 Corinthians 16:15

  • urge: Or “entreat.”​—For a discussion of the Greek word pa·ra·ka·leʹo used here, see study note on Ro 12:8.

    Achaia: See study note on Ac 18:12.

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/1988, pp. 19-20

  • Publications Index

    w88 10/1 19-20

1 Corinthians 16:16

Marginal References

  • +Php 2:29, 30; 1Th 5:12; 1Ti 5:17

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/1988, pp. 19-20

  • Publications Index

    w88 10/1 19-20;

    w62 685

1 Corinthians 16:17

  • the presence of: Here Paul uses the Greek word pa·rou·siʹa regarding three of his fellow workers who were with him. It is used in a similar sense five times elsewhere in the Christian Greek Scriptures. (2Co 7:6, 7; 10:10; Php 1:26; 2:12) This term is also used in connection with the invisible presence of Jesus Christ. (Mt 24:3; 1Co 15:23) The term pa·rou·siʹa, or “presence,” can refer to an invisible presence, as indicated by Jewish historian Josephus, writing in Greek, when he refers to God’s pa·rou·siʹa at Mount Sinai. God’s invisible presence was made evident by thunder and lightning. (Jewish Antiquities, III, 80 [v, 2]) Paul uses the related verb paʹrei·mi (“to be present”) when he speaks about being “present in spirit” but “absent in body.” (1Co 5:3) Although many translations render this term “arrival” or “coming,” the rendering “presence” is supported by the way Paul uses it at Php 2:12 to describe his “presence” in contrast with his “absence.”​—See study note on 1Co 15:23.

Marginal References

  • +1Co 1:16

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/1988, pp. 19-20

  • Publications Index

    w88 10/1 19-20;

    bi8-71 1364; int69 1161-1162; bi8-63 3590; bi7-50 779

1 Corinthians 16:18

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/1988, pp. 19-20

  • Publications Index

    w88 10/1 19-20

1 Corinthians 16:19

  • The congregations of Asia: That is, in the Roman province of Asia. (See Glossary, “Asia.”) Ac 19:10 says that during Paul’s stay in Ephesus, “all those living in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” At the time of writing 1 Corinthians (c. 55 C.E.), while staying in Ephesus, Paul likely had in mind congregations in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. (Col 4:12-16) Additionally, other congregations mentioned in the book of Revelation, including those in Smyrna, Pergamum, Sardis, Thyatira, and Philadelphia, may have been established by then and may have been included in these greetings.​—Re 1:4, 11.

    Aquila and Prisca: See study note on Ac 18:2.

    the congregation that is in their house: The first-century believers often met together in private homes. (Ro 16:3, 5; Col 4:15; Phm 2) The Greek word for “congregation” (ek·kle·siʹa) refers to a group of people gathered together for a common purpose. (1Co 12:28; 2Co 1:1) Some Bibles use “church” to render the Greek word ek·kle·siʹa in this and other verses. However, since many think of a church as a building used for religious services rather than as a group of people engaging in worship, the rendering “congregation” is more accurate.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 18:2
  • +Ro 16:3, 5; Phm 2

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 194

    The Watchtower,

    8/15/2007, p. 10

  • Publications Index

    it-1 194; w07 8/15 10;

    w64 177; w63 214

1 Corinthians 16:20

  • a holy kiss: See study note on Ro 16:16.

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 177

  • Publications Index

    it-2 177;

    w68 384

1 Corinthians 16:21

  • in my own hand: See study note on 1Co 1:1.

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 511

  • Publications Index

    it-1 511;

    ad 380

1 Corinthians 16:22

  • O our Lord, come!: Paul here uses an Aramaic expression transliterated into Greek as Ma·raʹna tha. Similar to other Semitic expressions, such as “Amen” and “Hallelujah,” it was apparently a term known by the Christian congregation, so Paul could use it without further explanation. It expresses a wish similar to the concluding words of Re 22:20, where the apostle John exclaimed: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” According to some scholars, the Aramaic expression is to be transliterated Ma·ranʹ a·thaʹ, which would mean “Our Lord is coming” or “Our Lord has come.”

Parallel Translations

Click a verse number to display parallel Bible verses.

General

1 Cor. 16:1Ac 24:17; Ro 15:26; 2Co 8:3, 4; Ga 2:10
1 Cor. 16:1Ac 18:23
1 Cor. 16:22Co 9:5
1 Cor. 16:32Co 8:19
1 Cor. 16:5Ac 19:21; 2Co 1:15, 16
1 Cor. 16:7Ac 20:2
1 Cor. 16:8Ac 19:1
1 Cor. 16:9Ac 19:10, 11
1 Cor. 16:10Ac 16:1, 2
1 Cor. 16:10Php 2:19, 20
1 Cor. 16:12Ac 18:24, 25; 1Co 1:12
1 Cor. 16:131Th 5:6
1 Cor. 16:131Co 15:58; Php 1:27
1 Cor. 16:13Ac 4:29
1 Cor. 16:13Eph 6:10; Col 1:11
1 Cor. 16:141Co 13:4; 1Pe 4:8
1 Cor. 16:16Php 2:29, 30; 1Th 5:12; 1Ti 5:17
1 Cor. 16:171Co 1:16
1 Cor. 16:19Ac 18:2
1 Cor. 16:19Ro 16:3, 5; Phm 2
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New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
1 Corinthians 16:1-24

The First to the Corinthians

16 Now concerning the collection for the holy ones,+ you may follow the directions I gave to the congregations of Ga·laʹti·a.+ 2 On the first day of every week, each of you should set something aside according to his own means, so that collections will not take place when I arrive.+ 3 But when I get there, I will send the men you approve of in your letters+ to take your kind gift to Jerusalem. 4 However, if it seems advisable for me to go there also, they will go there with me.

5 But I will come to you when I have gone through Mac·e·doʹni·a, for I will be going through Mac·e·doʹni·a;+ 6 and perhaps I will stay or even spend the winter with you, so that you may accompany me partway to where I may be going. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you,+ if Jehovah permits. 8 But I am remaining in Ephʹe·sus+ until the Festival of Pentecost, 9 because a large door that leads to activity has been opened to me,+ but there are many opposers.

10 Now if Timothy+ arrives, make sure that he has nothing to fear while among you, for he is performing the work of Jehovah,+ just as I am. 11 Therefore, let no one look down on him. Send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me, for I am waiting for him together with the brothers.

12 Now concerning A·polʹlos+ our brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers. It was not his intention to come now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.

13 Stay awake,+ stand firm in the faith,+ carry on in a manly way,+ grow mighty.*+ 14 Let everything you do be done with love.+

15 Now I urge you, brothers: You know that the household of Stephʹa·nas is the firstfruits of A·chaʹia and that they devoted themselves to ministering to the holy ones. 16 May you also keep submitting yourselves to people like that and to all those cooperating and working hard.+ 17 But I rejoice over the presence of Stephʹa·nas+ and For·tu·naʹtus and A·chaʹi·cus, because they have made up for your not being here. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, give recognition to men of that sort.

19 The congregations of Asia send you their greetings. Aqʹui·la and Prisʹca+ together with the congregation that is in their house+ greet you heartily in the Lord. 20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 Here is my greeting, Paul’s, in my own hand.

22 If anyone has no affection for the Lord, let him be accursed. O our Lord, come! 23 May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 May my love be with all of you in union with Christ Jesus.

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