1 Coríntios 16
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Coríntios 16
MacArthur - Besides meeting the economic needs of the Jerusalem believers, Paul also wanted the collection to express the spiritual oneness of the church....Gentiles giving an offering to Jews would help strengthen the spiritual bond between the two groups (cf. Eph. 2:11–18). Giving and receiving in love always form a bond between the giver and receiver. You cannot share gifts without sharing fellowship. The association between Christians’ economic sharing and personal sharing is so close in Paul’s mind that three times he uses the term koinonia (usually translated “fellowship”) to represent offerings (Rom. 15:26+; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:13). The primary purpose of giving, as taught in the New Testament, is for the support of the saints, the church. A Christian’s first obligation is to support fellow believers, individually and collectively. The church’s first financial responsibility is to invest in its own life and its own people (cf. 2 Cor. 8:1–5; 9:12–15; Phil. 4:14–16). (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) Paul had used saints to describe the Corinthians in 1 Cor 1:2 (saints by calling), describing their position more than than practice, for the rest of his letter was occupied in correcting their errant behavior and thinking. The Corinthian saints were acting more like "ain'ts". THOUGHT - This is a good reminder to all of us because if any of us "thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall." (1Cor 10:12). We may be doing just fine spiritually today, but every day brings the potential that we might fall into errors similar to the Corinthians. And yet despite that potential reality, we are still saints by calling. As Paul later said "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Php 1:6). Robertson and Plummer have an interesting note that "Paul uses seven words in speaking of this collection; logia (v. 1); charis (gift, favor)(1 Cor 16:3; 2 Cor. 8:4); koinonia (participation, contribution)(2 Cor. 8:4, 9:13; Ro. 15:26); diakonia (support, ministry)(2 Cor. 8:4, 2 Cor 9:1, 12, 13);hadrotes (generous) (2 Cor. 8:20); eulogia (bountiful - 2 Cor. 9:5); leitourgia (service) 2 Cor. 9:12); to which may be added eleemosunas (alms)(Acts 24:17, in the report of his speech before Felix) and prospsorai (offerings)(Acts 24:17). (Critical and Exegetical Commentary) Collection (3048)(logeia from lego = to gather, collect) is a collection usually of money, a receiving of money voluntarily contributed. Liddell-Scott - collection of taxes or voluntary contributions. The word appears in the papyri in the sense of collection, particularly in the sense of religious collection for a god or temple. The secular usage the word may refer to all kinds of contributions and sometimes to special tax levies, but it is used frequently of collections and levies made for religious purposes. Kittel adds "While the word can denote an extraordinary tax, there is here no thought of an assessment. Accompanying terms such as ministry and fellowship show that it is a gift comparable to the voluntary love offerings of the diaspora to Jerusalem rather than to the obligatory temple tax (cf. Ro 15:26, 31; 2 Cor. 8:4ff.; 9:1ff.)." Saints (40) hagios = set apart ones, separated ones, sanctified ones, holy ones) is literally a holy one and properly means different, set apart, distinct, set apart for or by God and can be brought near or into God's holy presence. "Its fundamental idea is separation, consecration, devotion to the service of Deity, sharing in God's purity and abstaining from earth's defilement." (Zodhiates) Uses in 1-2 Cor - 1 Co. 1:2; 1 Co. 3:17; 1 Co. 6:1; 1 Co. 6:2; 1 Co. 6:19; 1 Co. 7:14; 1 Co. 7:34; 1 Co. 12:3; 1 Co. 14:33; 1 Co. 16:1; 1 Co. 16:15; 1 Co. 16:20; 2 Co. 1:1; 2 Co. 6:6; 2 Co. 8:4; 2 Co. 9:1; 2 Co. 9:12; 2 Co. 13:12; 2 Co. 13:13; 2 Co. 13:14; As I directed the churches (assemblies, ekklesia) of Galatia, so do you also - NIV "Do what I told" Do is a command in the aorist imperative calling for their immediate attention to his directive and as with most of the NT commands calls for them to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey. Robertson and Plummer - ‘The Churches of Galatia’ are mentioned to show the Corinthians that they are not the only Gentiles who are asked to contribute to the support of Jewish Christians, and also to move them to imitate such good examples. (Critical and Exegetical Commentary) Directed (arranged, gave orders or instructions) (1299) diatasso rom dia = through + tasso = order) means literally to arrange thoroughly, to arrange in its proper order, to issue orderly and detailed instructions as to what must be done. Diatasso was a technical word for carrying out laws and sometimes used by military and government officials (cf Acts 18:2+, Lk 3:13+). It was a word that denoted a command given from an authority. Moulton and Milligan add that diatasso was a technical term used in connection with wills, as well as a general word for commanding. Note also the derivative tágma (5001), anything arranged in an orderly fashion as a body of troops, a band of soldiers, order, succession of the resurrection as in 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. the first: Lu 24:1 Joh 20:19,26 Ac 20:7 Rev 1:10 as : Ge 26:12 30:27,30 32:10 33:11 De 8:18 15:11-14 2Ch 31:10 Hag 2:16-19 Mal 3:9,10 Mk 12:41-44 14:8 Lu 16:10 2Co 8:1-3,12-15 so that: 2Co 8:11 2 Cor 9:3-5 1 Corinthians 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: John 20:19; 26 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”....(20:26) After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Revelation 1:10+ I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, COMMENT - While not everyone agrees most writers (Morris; Newell, Johnson, Mounce, Beasley-Murray, Aune, Ladd, Constable, MacArthur, ESV SB, NIV SB) feel this phrase refers to the first day of the week, our modern Sunday. Christian congregations evidently had been worshipping on the first day of the week for many years by this time. MacArthur adds that "Some have suggested this phrase refers to "the Day of the Lord," but the context doesn't support that interpretation." (MacArthur Study Bible) Acts 20:7+ On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. On the first day of every week - This phrase is a Hebraism (cf Mk 16:2; Lk 24:1; Jn 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7) Sunday appears to be the day the early church gathered to worship, not Saturday (the Sabbath), but the "Lord's day." (Rev 1:10+) Acts 20:7+ indicates "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread." Don't miss the point that Paul considered giving to be an integral component of worship and why not, because what better "barometer" is there of the spiritual status of our heart. If our heart is far from the Lord, our pocketbook probably also is far away. Given that worship is one of the spiritual aspects of worship reminds us of Peter's words You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5+) Robertson and Plummer - Apparently, the name ‘Lord’s Day’ was not yet in use, and the first day of the week is never called ‘the sabbath’ in Scripture. If it was right to do good on the Jewish sabbath (Matt. 12:12; Mark 3:4), how much more on the Lord’s Day? (Critical and Exegetical Commentary) Week (4521) sabbaton rom shabath - 07676 = to cease from work, intermission - see note on shabath) has two main meanings: (1) Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, held sacred by the Jews and week , Singular = Mk 16:2, 9; Lk 18:12; 1 Cor 16:2 and Plural = of a single week Mt 28:1b; Mk 16:2; Lk 24:1; Jn 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:2 Each one of you is to put aside (command to continually set something aside, have the habit of putting aside) and (present tense - continually) save (treasuring up), as (in keeping with how) he (present tense) may prosper (in keeping with his income, whatever success he may have) - Each one is all-inclusive. because we are stewards of God's gifts and will each give account for how we handled this stewardship. Each one speaks of each one personally should determine in their heart to do this (read 2 Cor 8:3-5) but is not given to be compulsory or to be oppressive (some of the saints were slaves and were themselves poor). However clearly Paul expected all saints to participate in this offering. Put aside is a command in the present imperative calling for them to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey this command in the present tense calling on them to make their giving habitual. Note the phrase as he may prosper, (literally as he may have a good journey) which is not a specific percentage of their income (such as a tithe) (cf 2 Cor 8:12). Continually laying some contribution aside would keep them from having to make a sudden offering if they had received an appeal for help. The idea is giving in proportion to prosperity. "A tenth is little for some, impossible for others; but week by week each would see how much or how little he had got, and would act accordingly." (R & P). Jesus used the same verb translated save (thesaurizo) in this verse, encouraging storing up treasure in Heaven... Matthew 6:19-21+ “Do not store up (thesaurizo in present imperative with a negative = STOP DOING THIS!) for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 “But store up (thesaurizo in present imperative - MAKE THIS YOUR HABIT! ETERNITY IS A LONG TIME - SEND YOUR "INVESTMENTS" ON AHEAD TO THE "BANK OF HEAVEN" AND YOU WILL ACCRUE ETERNAL DIVIDENDS! NOTE ACTIVE VOICE = SPEAKS OF A PERSONAL, VOLITIONAL CHOICE OF ONE'S WILL) for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for (TERM OF EXPLANATION - HELPS UNDERSTAND WHY ONE STORES UP TREASURE ON THIS EARTH WHICH IS PASSING AWAY VERSUS IN HEAVEN WHICH ENDURES FOREVER!) where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (WHERE IS YOUR HEART? SHOW ME YOUR CHECKBOOK!) And just in case you missed the import of Jesus' preceding command Luke 12:20-21+ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ “So is the man who stores up (thesaurizo) treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (cf thesaurizo in Jas 5:3+) Notice also that may prosper (not a tithe) is in the passive voice (cf divine passive) which clearly implies that God is the true Source of all their (and our) prosperity and success (Thank You Lord. Amen!). In summary, our giving should be regular (first day of the week), individual (each one), systematic (put aside continually) and proportionate (as he may prosper). Robertson and Plummer - Each is to lay by something weekly ‘in his own house, forming a little hoard, which will become a heavenly treasure’ (Matt. 6:19–21; Luke 12:21). Chrysostom says that the accumulation was to be made in private, because the additions might be so small that the donor would be ashamed to make them in the congregation. The Apostle virtually says, ‘Become a guardian of holy possessions, a self-elected steward of the poor (Critical and Exegetical Commentary) MacArthur - The basic principle for voluntary giving in the Old Testament is reflected in Proverbs: “Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9–10). The idea was to give to the Lord generously and to give to the Lord first. Again we are told, “There is one who scatters, yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want” (Proverbs 11:24). In other words, if you want to increase your money, share it generously; if you want to lose your money, hoard it....No amount or percentage is ever required in the New Testament. Rather, each believer is to give from his heart. (see Lk 6:38+, 2 Cor 9:6-8) (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) G Campbell
1 Coríntios 16
MacArthur adds "There can easily be a lot of activity without much work of the Lord genuinely being done. When the work we do is of little importance, is done in the flesh, or is done halfheartedly, it will never be fruitful for the Lord. That sort of work, though in the Lord’s name, is “in vain.” (cf 1 Cor 3:12+ = "wood, hay, straw") (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) G. Campbell Morgan “Paul has in mind the kind of toil that has in it the red blood of sacrifice, the kind of toil that wearies and weakens along the way.” Did you see the little phrase as I also am? There is no verb "am" in Greek but it is implied that Paul is doing the Lord's work. Paul provided the perfect model to imitate and here we see Timothy was doing just that! (1 Cor 4:16+, 1 Cor 11:1+). Are you seeking to imitate Paul by doing the Lord's work, just as he did? One is reminded of Jesus' words to Paul at his conversion "As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, (Acts 9:3-4+) And by analogy, Timothy was in covenant with the Lord Jesus and to persecute Timothy would be to persecute Christ! (See the great truth of Christ as our Covenant Defender) See (look, take care, take heed) (991) blepo basically means to have sight, to see, to look at, then to observe, to discern, to perceive with the eye, and frequently implies special contemplation (e.g., often in the sense of “keep your eyes open,” or “beware." Vine says blepo expresses "a more intentional, earnest contemplation." Uses in 1-2 Cor - 1 Co. 1:26; 1 Co. 3:10; 1 Co. 8:9; 1 Co. 10:12; 1 Co. 10:18; 1 Co. 13:12; 1 Co. 16:10; 2 Co. 4:18; 2 Co. 7:8; 2 Co. 10:7; 2 Co. 12:6; Without cause to be afraid (870) aphobos from a = without + phobos = fear) has a positive sense meaning without cause to be afraid, without fear of what might happen (Lk 1:74, Php 1:14 = "courage to speak the word of God without fear."). In Jude 1:12+ aphobos describes those men who live shamelessly, without a sense of reverence, "men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves." The last use here in 1 Cor 16:10 means do not intimidate him you Corinthians! Doing (2038) (ergazomai from ergon = work) means to engage in an activity involving considerable exertion or expenditure of effort. To work effectively, emphasizing the process of an action, carrying with it the idea of continuity and repetition. Ergazomai is often used to describe work in a spiritual sense, implying supernatural work, work that God does, work that God (His Spirit indwelling believers) energizes in and through His children, work that lasts for all eternity! Uses by Paul - Ro 2:10; Ro 4:4; Ro 4:5; Ro 4:21; Ro 13:10; 1 Co. 4:12; 1 Co. 9:6; 1 Co. 9:13; 1 Co. 16:10; 2 Co. 7:10; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 4:28; Col. 3:23; 1 Th. 2:9; 1 Th 4:11; 2 Th 3:8; 2 Th 3:10; 2 Th 3:11; 2 Th 3:12; 1 Corinthians 16:11 So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren. no one: 1Co 16:10 Lu 10:16 1Th 4:8 1Ti 4:12 Titus 2:15 but: 1Co 16:6 Ac 15:33 3Jn 1:6 1 Corinthians 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Titus 2:15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. TREAT TIMOTHY RIGHT! So (oun) - Therefore. This is a term of conclusion. In view of the truth that Timothy is doing the Lord's work, Paul gives a warning exhortation and a command. Let no one despise him - Let no one treat Timothy with contempt and disdain. Paul warns them not to treat Timothy or his work as if it were of no account, for to do so would in effect be treating the Lord's work as no account for that is the work Timothy was carrying out! When one despises another he is like the arrogant Pharisee in Jesus' parable (Lk 18:9-14+). And not surprisingly Jesus' adversaries treated Him this way (Lk 23:11+; Acts 4:11+), so if Timothy is despised he is in good company. The Corinthians needed to remember what Paul had stated earlier in this very letter writing that "the base things of the world and the despised (exoutheneo) God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,(1Co. 1:28) In Paul's second letter he uses this same word to describe what some were saying about him writing "they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible (exoutheneo).” (2 Co. 10:10) Despise (regard, treat or view with contempt) (1848) exoutheneo from ek = an intensifies + outhenéo = bring to naught) is a strong verb which means to despise someone or something on basis that it is worthless or of no value. To consider as nothing. To treat someone contemptuously as if completely worthless or despicable. 11v - Lk. 18:9; Lk. 23:11; Acts 4:11; Ro 14:3; Rom. 14:10; 1Co. 1:28; 1Co. 6:4; 1 Co. 16:11; 2 Co. 10:10; Gal. 4:14; 1 Thess. 5:20 But send (propempo) him on his way in peace (eirene), so that he may come to me - NLT = "Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me." Paul gives them a command in the aorist imperative ("Just do it!) to send Timothy on his way in peace. or as the Hebrews would say in "shalom." So they were commanded in essence to receive him in peace and to send him off in peace. Sending him off included the idea of giving him help on his way, including the necessary requisites for travel in order that he could have an expeditious journey back to Ephesus. Robertson and Plummer - ‘When he departs, let him see that he has your good will, and that he leaves no bad feeling in any of you.’ ‘In peace’ at the conclusion of his intercourse with them will be a fitting result of ‘without fear’ at the beginning of it. The last clause shows why they ought to set Timothy forward on his journey with peace and good will; he will be on his way to the Apostle, who is expecting him. (Critical and Exegetical Commentary) Send on way (Accompany, help on journey/way) (4311) propempo from pró = before, + pémpo = to send) literally means to send before. In the NT the idea is to send forward on one’s journey, to bring someone on his way, especially to accompany for some distance in token of respect and honor (as in the present passage). Propempo also conveys the idea of to help one forward on his journey, including furnishing things necessary for one's travel. John Polhill writes that "Propempō is used of accompanying or escorting people to their point of departure and often has the additional nuance of giving them food and provisions for their journey. That may well have been the case in this instance. (New American Commentary – Volume 26: Acts) Peace (1515) eirene from verb eiro = to join or bind together that which has been separated) literally pictures the binding or joining together again of that which had been separated or divided and thus setting at one again, a meaning convey by the common expression of one “having it all together”. It follows that peace is the opposite of division or dissension. Peace as a state of concord and harmony is the opposite of war. Peace was used as a greeting or farewell corresponding to the Hebrew word shalom - "peace to you". For - Term of explanation. Explaining why the Corinthians are to send Timothy off with peace and provisions. I (present tense - continually) expect him with the brethren (adelphos - fellow believers) - Expect indicates Paul was (continually) looking forward to and watching for Timothy's arrival in Ephesus with a sense of expectation. Who the brethren are is not clear. Certainly Erastus may have been one, for Paul had sent this duo into Macedonia (Acts 19:22+). Expect (1551) ekdechomai from ek = from + dechomai = receive kindly, accept deliberately and readily) means literally to receive or accept from some source. The idea is to look or tarry for, to watch for, expect, be about to receive. In regard to of future events it means to wait for them expecting them to happen.Jn. 5:3 (only Textus Receptus); Acts 17:16; 1 Co. 11:33 - "So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another."; 1 Co. 16:11; Heb. 10:13; Heb. 11:10 = "he was looking for the city which has foundations"; Jas. 5:7 1 Corinthians 16:12 But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity. our: 1Co 1:12 3:5,22 Ac 18:24-28 19:1 Tit 3:4 when: Ec 3:1 Mk 6:21 Ac 24:25 1 Corinthians 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Acts 18:24+ Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. Acts 19:1+ It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. 1 Corinthians 1:12+ Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:4+ For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men? 1 Corinthians 3:6+ I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 1 Corinthians 4:6+ Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. Titus 3:13+ Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. But (now) concerning Apollos our brother - But (or now) concerning is the same Greek phrase (peri de) used in 1 Cor 7:1+ which introduced the section on questions from the Corinthians (cf similar introductions - "Now concerning [peri de] virgins" 1 Cor 7:25+, "now concerning [peri de] things sacrificed to idols" = 1 Cor 8:1+; "Now concerning [peri de] spiritual gifts" = 1 Cor 12:1+; "Now concerning [peri de] the collection" = 1 Cor 16:1+). Therefore it seems likely that Paul is addressing a question the Corinthians had asked about Apollos in their letter and specifically their request that he visit them again. Brother (adelphos) is Paul's affectionate term for his spiritual relationship with Apollos, for they both belonged to the same family, the family of God (Jn 1:12+, 1 Jn 3:1+). Do you consider and treat your fellow believers as your "closest kin" on earth? And recall that Paul might have had an urge to think less of Apollos or be jealous or envious in light of 1 Corinthians 1:12+. And yet Paul did not give in to his fleshly lusts, because he was a man who continually walked in the Spirit, and the Spirit enabled him to not carry out the desires of the flesh. (Gal 5:16+). Apollos - 10x in NT - Acts 18:24; Acts 19:1; 1 Co. 1:12; 1 Co. 3:4; 1 Co. 3:5; 1 Co. 3:6; 1 Co. 3:22; 1 Co. 4:6; 1 Co. 16:12; Titus 3:13 Brother (80) adelphos from a = denotes unity + delphus = a womb) literally means brother referring to a physical brother, literally, male sibling with at least one parent in common, or figuratively can refer to a brother in the spiritual sense, members of the Christian community, fellow Christian, fellow believer. Used 4x in 1 Cor 16 - 1 Cor 16:11 1 Cor 16:12 1 Cor 16:15 1 Cor 16:20 I encouraged him greatly (strongly, earnestly) to come to (visit) you with the brethren - Amplified has "urgently encouraged." ‘And, in spite of all I could say, he had no wish to come now; but he will come whenever the right time arrives. Clearly Paul thought this is what Apollos should do, but as noted below it was not his desire (or possibly the Lord's will) at this time. Vine has an interesting comment on Paul and Apollos writing that "evidently the assembly wanted Apollos to come, and Paul makes clear that he earnestly shared their desire, that he had no feelings of jealousy or rivalry concerning him and entertained no fear of his joining the Apollos party (1 Cor 1:12; 3:4, 6; 4:6 and Titus 3:13), but that, on the contrary, there was happy unity between himself and Apollos and therefore there was nothing on the part of either of them to give occasion for, or to sanction the use of, their names for party purposes. (Collected Writings) (ED: IN SHORT PAUL HOLDS NO ILL WILL TOWARD APOLLOS). Encouraged (3870) parakaleo from para = side of, alongside, beside + kaleo = call) means literally to call one alongside, to call someone to oneself, to call for, to summon. Parakaleo can include the idea of giving help or aid but the primary sense in the NT is to urge someone to take some action, especially some ethical course of action. Uses in 1-2 Cor - 1 Co. 1:10; 1 Co. 4:13; 1 Co. 4:16; 1 Co. 14:31; 1 Co. 16:12; 1 Co. 16:15; 2 Co. 1:4; 2 Co. 1:6; 2 Co. 2:7; 2 Co. 2:8; 2 Co. 5:20; 2 Co. 6:1; 2 Co. 7:6; 2 Co. 7:7; 2 Co. 7:13; 2 Co. 8:6; 2 Co. 9:5; 2 Co. 10:1; 2 Co. 12:8; 2 Co. 12:18; 2 Co. 13:11 And it was (simply) not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity - Note that desire could be translated "will" and some writers think this could refer to either the will of Apollos or God's will. Note that although these two brothers disagree on this issue, Paul makes no negative comments regarding their differences. THOUGHT - This is a good example for all of us in ministry (and for life in general), because we all encounter similar situations where we disagree with others (brethren or not), so may the Lord enable each of us to do it amicably like Paul. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Bob
1 Coríntios 16
MacArthur - Satan cannot take saving faith away from us, but he can, and often does, obscure the content of our faith, the sound doctrines of God’s Word. If we do not hold fast to right interpretations of Scripture, we are certain to slip into wrong thinking, wrong belief, and wrong behavior. (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) Here is an illustration of a man who was standing firm - At the height of WWII, Protestant theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was imprisoned for taking a stand against Hitler. Yet he continued to urge fellow believers to resist Nazi tyranny. A group of Christians, believing that Hitler was the Antichrist, asked Bonhoeffer, “Why do you expose yourself to all this danger? Jesus will return any day, and all your work and suffering will be for nothing.” Bonhoeffer replied, “If Jesus returns tomorrow, then tomorrow I’ll rest from my labor. But today I have work to do. I must continue the struggle until it’s finished. GROW UP! Act like men - "Play the man." This command is "short hand" for "Grow up," stop acting like little children! The thought is for them (enabled by the Spirit) to be courageous like men as opposed to little children, which is how Paul had characterized many of them (this was when he was actually present with them the first time) writing they were "men of flesh, as to infants in Christ." (1 Cor 3:1+). And in 1 Corinthians 14:20+ Paul had written "Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature." MacArthur- Maturity is one of the marks of love (1 Cor. 13:11+), a virtue in which the Corinthians were especially deficient. (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) Swindoll - They needed to set aside their fussiness, whining, and complaining and instead progress toward maturity in Christ, but they had failed to shed their dependence on the blankies, bottles, and binkies that had soothed them in their baby Christian days. These “props” of comfort were closely connected to the secular world around them. How easy it was for them to slip back into the secular crib of their infancy rather than learn to walk on their own two feet by the grace of God and through the power of the Spirit! (Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary – 1 & 2 Corinthians) Matthew Henry on Act like men - "Act the manly, firm, and resolved part: behave strenuously, in opposition to the bad men who would divide and corrupt you, those who would split you into factions or seduce you from the faith: be not terrified nor inveigled (won over by coaxing) by them; but show yourselves men in Christ, by your steadiness, by your sound judgment and firm resolution. Christians should be manly and firm in all their contests with their enemies, in defending their faith, and maintaining their integrity. They should, in an especial manner, be so in those points of faith that lie at the foundation of sound and practical religion, such as were attacked among the Corinthians: these must be maintained with solid judgment and strong resolution. Act like men (407)(andrizo from aner = man) act in a valiant or courageous way, be brave, conduct oneself in a courageous way, behave oneself (middle voice) with the wisdom and courage of a man, as opposed to a babe or child in Christ. Aristotle uses the word to indicate the display of courage which he describes as the mean between fear and confidence. The word was also used in the papyri in the exhortation, “therefore do not be fainthearted, but be courageous as a man." “to act like a good man” as used in a letter to a philosopher telling him to finish his task and not be distracted by wealth or the charm of youth. Josephus uses the term to describe the courageous fighting of the Jewish defenders of Jotapatha (Jos., Jewish Wars 3:268) and in his description of Roman General Titus telling his troops to be courageous, but using forethought and not running personal risks (Jos., JW, 5:316). It also appears in the General Titus' speech of encouragement to his soldiers as they are discouraged in their siege of Jerusalem (Jos., JW, 6:50). In the Septuagint, andrizo is repeatedly in Moses' exhortational commands to Joshua to Be Strong! (Dt 31:6-7+) and to be courageous (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18+). It is not surprising that Joshua issued the same command to those under his leadership in Joshua 10:25. All 7 uses of andrizo in Deuteronomy and Joshua are in the present imperative and middle voice (calling for one to do it yourself but I submit Joshua could only to do it as he was enabled by the Holy Spirit - Who filled him in Nu 27:18+, cf also Dt - yes, even in the OT the sanctifying Spirit was active in enabling godly behavior albeit exactly how He worked is somewhat mysterious since He did not permanently indwell the OT saints). 1 Cor 16:13 is the only use of andrizo in the NT but it is used 22x in the Septuagint (take a moment and meditate on these uses to give you a better sense of what Paul is commanding of the saints at Corinth)- Deut. 31:6; Deut. 31:7; Deut. 31:23; Jos. 1:6; Jos. 1:7; Jos. 1:9; Jos. 1:18; Jos. 10:25; 2 Sa 10:12; 2 Sa 13:28; 1 Chr. 19:13; 1 Chr. 22:13; 1 Chr. 28:20; 2 Chr. 32:7; Ps. 27:14; Ps. 31:24; Jer. 2:25; Jer. 18:12; Da 10:19; Da 11:1; Mic. 4:10; Nah. 2:1; Gilbrant - This verb is derived from the noun stem andr-(from anēr), “man.” The added verb ending, -omai, is a middle-voice verb (often showing action by and relating to oneself) and represents the idea of acting like a man, showing manly characteristics (such as bravery). Andrizomai appears a number of times in the Septuagint. It is commonly paired with one of two other verbs suggesting strength, translating the Hebrew word pair chizqû wᵉ’imtsû, “be strong and show strength.” Andrizomai translates either of the two words, usually the latter when the pair occurs. The Greek words paired with andrizomai in the Septuagint translation are ischuō or compounds of it (Deut 31:6,7,23; Josh 1:6,7,9,18; 10:25; 1 Chr 19:13; 22:13; 28:20; 2 Chr 32:7; Da 10:19; 11:1; 1 Maccabees 2:64; cf. Nah 2:2) and krataioō (2 Sa 10:12 [LXX 2 Kings 10:12]; Ps 27:14 [LXX 26:14]; Ps 31:24 [30:24]). Andrizomai appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 16:13. It is paired with krataioō as the climax of the fourfold command, “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be men, be strong!” (Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource) PRAY IT UP! Paul taught that one should pray for spiritual strengthening even as he prayed for the saints in Ephesus asking the Father to "grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened (krataioo - note passive voice = divine passive) with power through His Spirit in the inner man (Eph 3:16+). Robertson and Plummer - ‘Be not only manly but mighty; gain the mastery’ (Eph. 3:16): κραταιός (1 Pet. 5:6) and κράτος (Eph. 1:19, 6:10; Col. 1:2; 1 Tim. 6:16) are uniformly used of God. (Critical and Exegetical Commentary) Be strong - Paul is calling for spiritual, not physical strengthening. In the physical world one might lift weights and so strengthen themselves, but in the spiritual world, believers cannot strengthen themselves for that task belongs solely to the Lord! However, don't forget that believers do have a role/responsibility in this spiritual strengthening -- we are not just to "Let go and let God". The believer's "job" is to submit [yield, surrender] himself or herself to God's Spirit [believers can resist, quench and grieve the Spirit] in order for Him to strengthen us. We can only “be [passive voice] strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might” (Eph 6:10+), and “be [passive voice] strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Ti 2:1+). Swindoll nails it - The strength to obey the Lord is not connected to an Olympian physique. It comes by the power of God to the inner person—the unseen character, attitudes, affections, and passions that drive us toward the good and away from the bad. In Philippians 2:13NLT+, Paul lets us in on a secret about the inner power that transforms our outer lifestyle: “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Our responsibility is to take on the world’s challenges with strength, but we must do so knowing that our strength comes from the Lord, not from ourselves. (Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary – 1 & 2 Corinthians) MacArthur - The person who thinks he is strong in himself is in the greatest danger of falling (1 Cor 10:12)....The supreme source of all spiritual strength, of course, is Christ Himself. “I can do all things through Him Who (present tense - continually) strengthens (endunamoo) me,” Paul declared (Phil. 4:13+ - ED: PAUL HAD TO LEARN THIS TRUTH - See Php 4:11-12+). “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened (endunamoo) me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service” (1 Tim. 1:12). (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) Strengthen (2901) krataioo from krataios = strong from kratos) refers to strength or might, but especially that which is manifested. It means to be empowered, to be increased in vigor, to strengthen with the implied meaning of to establish (active voice), to grow strong (active voice), to be made strong (passive voice), to be braced (as when the Gulf Coast states to "brace" for an incoming Category 5 hurricane!), to be invigorated, to be fortified (I like that word for it pictures the saint in a "spiritual fort"). All the NT uses are in the passive voice which indicates the strengthening comes not from man himself but from God's indwelling Spirit (divine passive). Krataioo is frequent in the Septuagint and is used with andrizo in 2 Sa 10:12 "“Be strong and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.” Krataioo used only 4x in NT - Lk. 1:80; Lk. 2:40; 1 Co. 16:13; Eph. 3:16+. Krataioo used over 50x in the Septuagint - Jdg. 3:10 (Heb = "prevailed against"; Lxx = "hand was made strong" [divine passive] upon the enemy); Ruth 1:18; 1 Sa 4:9; 1 Sam. 23:16; 1 Sam. 30:6; 2 Sam. 1:23; 2 Sam. 2:7; 2 Sam. 3:1; 2 Sam. 10:11; 2 Sam. 10:12; 2 Sam. 11:23; 2 Sam. 11:25; 2 Sam. 13:14; 2 Sam. 22:18; 2 Sam. 23:3; 1 Ki. 20:22; 1 Ki. 20:23; 1 Ki. 20:25; 2 Ki. 3:26; 2 Ki. 12:6; 2 Ki. 12:7; 2 Ki. 12:12; 2 Ki. 12:14; 2 Ki. 22:6; 1 Chr. 21:4; 2 Chr. 21:4; 2 Chr. 23:1; 2 Chr. 34:8; 2 Chr. 35:22; Ezr. 6:22; Ezr. 7:28; Neh. 2:18; Neh. 6:9; Job 36:19; Job 36:22; Ps. 9:19; Ps. 27:14; Ps. 31:24; Ps. 38:19; Ps. 64:5; Ps. 69:4; Ps. 74:13; Ps. 80:15; Ps. 80:17; Ps. 89:13; Ps. 103:11; Ps. 105:4; Ps. 105:24; Ps. 117:2; Ps. 139:6; Ps. 139:17; Ps. 142:6; Lam. 1:16; Dan. 4:36; Dan. 5:20. Here are two encouraging uses of krataioo in the Septuagint of the Psalms... Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; Be strong (Lxx = andrizomai = act like a man!) and let your heart take courage (Lxx = krataioo in divine passive, = be strengthened in your heart - cf perfect parallel with use of krataioo in Eph 3:16+!); Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 31:24 Be strong (Lxx = andrizomai = act like a man!) and let your heart take courage (Lxx = krataioo in divine passive, = be strengthened in your heart - cf perfect parallel with use of krataioo in Eph 3:16+!), All you who hope in the LORD. Charles Swindoll -Get your “stuff” together. Act like a man. Be brave and courageous as a lady. You’re the only one on the sales force who’s telling the truth? Good for you! Keep it up. God honors integrity, which is another sign of maturity. When other people are responsible for good things happening, always give them the credit. That’s what mature adults do. Servant-hearted leadership is wonderful to behold. A W Tozer - Do Not Hope to Win the Lost by Being Agreeable Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 In our day, religion may be very precious to some persons, but hardly important enough to cause division or risk hurting anyone’s feelings! In all our discussions there must never be any trace of intolerance, we are reminded; but obviously we forget that the most fervent devotees of tolerance are invariably intolerant of everyone who speaks about God with certainty. And there must be no bigotry—which is the name given to spiritual assurance by those who do not enjoy it! The desire to please may be commendable enough under certain circumstances, but when pleasing men means displeasing God it is an unqualified evil and should have no place in the Christian’s heart. To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with men. This is such a common truth that one hesitates to mention it, yet it appears to have been overlooked by the majority of Christians today. There is a notion abroad that to win a man we must agree with him. Actually, the exact opposite is true! The man who is going in a wrong direction will never be set right by the affable religionist who falls into step beside him and goes the same way. Someone must place himself across the path and insist that the straying man turn around and go in the right direction. (Evenings with Tozer) Irresistible Discipleship - Oswald Chambers (Approved to God) Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 By a “disciple” we mean one who continues to be concentrated on our Lord. Concentration is of much more value than consecration, because consecration is apt to end in mere religious sentiment. Concentration is the gist of the Sermon on the Mount—“Be carefully careless about everything saving your relationship to Me,” our Lord says. “Irresistible,” not in the sense of being exquisitely charming, or of being irresistible in war, but irresistible in the sense of not being deflected. The Practice of Alert Detachment Watch ye . . . There is a detachment that is fanatical. Detachment without discretion is delusive, so when the New Testament uses the term “watch” (and the New Testament has a great deal to say about watching), it means an alert detachment which comes from a discreet understanding of the Lord’s will (see Romans 12:1-2). One continually finds an encroachment of beliefs and of attachment to things which is so much spiritual overloading. Every now and again the Spirit of God calls on us to take a spiritual stock-taking in order to see what beliefs we can do without. The things our Lord asks us to believe are remarkably few, and John 14:1 seems to sum them up—“Ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” We have to keep ourselves alertly detached from everything that would encroach on that belief; we all have intellectual and affectionate affinities that keep us detached from Jesus Christ instead of attached to Him. We have to maintain an alert spiritual fighting trim. “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Hebrews 12:1). This does not refer to indwelling sin, but to the spirit of the age, literally—the sin “which doth closely cling to us,” or “which is admired of many” (rv mg), the thing that hinders us in running and keeps us attached. We have to see that we run alertly and run watching, run with patience, continually readjusting ourselves and determinedly holding loosely to all other things. Detachment without discretion leads us astray, but detachment with the discretion that is able to discern the Lord’s will in daily occurrences will make us irresistible disciples. Our Lord said to His disciples, “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem.”† There are a great many things that are quite legitimate, but if they are not on our way to Jerusalem, we do not do them. The Practice of Attentive Decisiveness stand fast in the faith . . . We hear a great deal about decision of character; in irresistible discipleship we have to learn an attentive decisiveness. There is a decisiveness that is destructive, a pig-headed decisiveness that decides without deliberation. “Stand fast in the faith” gives the idea of deliberate attentive decisiveness—“I will take the time to go through the drill in order to understand what it means to stand fast” (cf. Ephesians 6:13). It is a great deal easier to fight than to stand, but Paul says our conflict is not so much a fight as a standing on guard. Our Lord requires us to believe very few things, because the nature of belief is not mathematical, but something that must be tested, and there are a number of insidious things that work against our faith. A famous preacher once said he found in his actual circumstances he did not believe half so much as he did when he was preaching. He meant he found it difficult to “stand fast in the faith” in daily circumstances. It is possible to preach and to encourage our own souls and to appear to have a very strong faith, while in actual circumstances we do not stand fast at all, but rather prove what Herbert Spencer said to be true. Herbert Spencer said people were trained to think like pagans six days a week and like Christians the remaining day; consequently in the actual things of life we decide as pagans, not as Christians at all. The way of irresistible discipleship is to practise not only alert detachment, but also attentive decisiveness; after having deliberated on the relationship of our faith to certain things, we decide. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would “bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” We hear some word of our Lord’s and it sinks into the unconscious mind; then we come into certain circumstances and the Holy Spirit suddenly brings back that word to our conscious minds. Are we going to obey our Lord in that particular, or take the ordinary common-sense way of moral decisiveness? Are we going to stand fast in the faith, or take the easier way of decision without deliberation? To think along this line will give the death blow to the dangerous method of making principles out of our Lord’s statements. To do that we do not need to maintain a detached life with Him; all we need is, to gain an intellectual grasp of His principles and endeavour to live our life in accordance with them. We can never tell how we shall have to decide in certain circumstances, but we have to see that we stand fast in the faith. We know what “the faith” is when we have gone through with God in any particular. “The faith” is faith in the Redemption and in the indwelling Spirit of God; faith that God is love, and that He will see after us if we stand steadfast to our confidence in Him. It is easy to stand fast in the big things, but very difficult in the small things. If we do stand fast in faith in Him we shall become irresistible disciples. The Practice of Comprehending Determination quit you like men . . . When we are children we are impulsive. Impulsiveness grows up with us from childhood’s state; we do not quit ourselves like men. If we have been in the habit of discerning the Lord’s will and love and have to decide on the spur of the moment, our determination will be comprehending, that is, we shall decide not from the point of view of self-interest, or because of the good of a cause, but entirely from our Lord’s point of view. One of the finest characteristics of a noble humanity is that of mature patience, not that of impulsive action. It is easy to be determined, and the curious thing is that the more small-minded a man is the more easily he makes up his mind. If he cannot see the various sides of a question, he decides by the ox-like quality of obstinacy. Obstinacy simply means—“I will not allow any discernment in this matter; I refuse to be enlightened.” We wrongly call this strong-mindedness. Strength of mind is the whole man active, not discernment merely from an individual standpoint. The determination in a disciple is a comprehending one. “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified,” says Paul. The Practice of Actual Dependability . . . be strong. We can depend on the man or woman who has been disciplined in character, and we become strong in their strength. When we depend on someone who has had no discipline, we both degenerate. We are always in danger of depending on people who are undisciplined, and the consequence is that in the actual strain of life they break down and we do too. We have to be actually dependable. When we are young a hurricane or thunderstorm impresses us as being very powerful, yet the strength of a rock is infinitely greater than that of a hurricane. The same is true with regard to discipleship. The strength there is not the strength of activity but the strength of being. Activity may be a disease of weariness, or of degeneration; to be dependable means to be strong in the sense of disciplined reliability. To convey “stayability” is the work of the Spirit of God, not the product of convincing controversy. These considerations convey the characteristics that the Apostle wanted the Corinthian Christians to develop in themselves. If we keep practising, what we practise becomes our second nature, then in a crisis and in the details of life we shall find that not only will the grace of God stand by us, but also our own nature. Whereas if we refuse to practise, it is not God’s grace but our own nature that fails when the crisis comes, because we have not been practising in actual life. We may ask God to help us but He cannot, unless we have made our nature our ally. The practising is ours, not God’s. He puts the Holy Spirit into us, He regenerates us, and puts us in contact with all His Divine resources, but He cannot make us walk and decide in the way He wants; we must do that ourselves. Paul says“I do not frustrate [i.e., make void, rv] the grace of God.” The standing fast, the quitting ourselves like men, is the duty that God has laid upon us. In the days of the Roman persecutions, the edict went forth from the emperor that every soldier in all the army should be submitted to a test as to his loyalty. He should pour the libation to the emperor, or die such death as his commander should pass upon him. In the northern part of Gaul there was a Julian legion of 100 men, with their centurion. They had become knit together in the dangers and self-sacrifices and hardships of a lonely, arduous, desperate service. The very flower of this band were Christians, who, it was known, would not worship the emperor. But the centurion set up the emperor’s image and the libation was prepared. One by one the members of the band filed up, and either poured the libation, or said, “I am a Christian,” and turned off to the left. When the test was over, there stood forty men, the very bravest and the best, the most self-sacrificing, and the best-beloved of all that band of men. Sorrowfully the commander sentenced them to death from exposure upon the frozen surface of the lake. As they went forth, a mighty song broke forth, “Forty wrestlers, wrestling for Thee, O Christ, claim for Thee the victory, and from Thee the crown.” Far out on the ice they knelt down and raised their voices in thanksgiving to Christ Who had elected them to die for His honor and glory. The centurion caused a great fire to be built on the shore and dismissed the guard, while he, their well-beloved friend, strode up and down, keeping guard, in the hope that they might repent them of this strange faith which he did not understand, but which made them loyal, and true, and gentle, and good beyond their comrades. By and by he saw one dark form separating itself from the rest and come stumbling, creeping up the bank, intent on saving its life by the sacrifice of its soul, but as the traitor fell down before the image of the emperor, the helmet and shield of the centurion clanged upon the ground, and he strode forth and joined himself unto them. Once again the cry went up, “Forty wrestlers, wrestling for Thee, O Christ, claim for Thee the victory, and from Thee the crown.” YOUR LIFE: GOD’S PROJECT Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 TIMOTHY 2:21 “Fan into flame” (2 Timothy 1:6). “Stand firm” (1 Corinthians 16:13). “Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). “Endure hardship” (2 Timothy 4:5). “Avoid” (2 Timothy 2:16). “Flee” (1 Corinthians 6:18). At first glance the Christian life might appear to be a do-it-yourself project—until you try it and discover how inadequate your own strength is. But God never asks of you what he has not first empowered you to do—a truth John Calvin understood. WALK WITH JOHN CALVIN “It is clear beyond contradiction that we are called to holiness. But the calling and duty of Christians is one thing, and it is another to have the power to make it happen. “We do not deny that the faithful are required to purify themselves; but that this is a matter which belongs to the Lord he declares himself, when through the prophet Ezekiel he promises to send forth the Holy Spirit that we may be cleansed (see Ezekiel 36:25–26). “Therefore, we should beseech the Lord to purge us rather than vainly attempt such a matter in our own strength without his aid.” WALK CLOSER TO GOD It is one thing to read the Word of God; it is another to live it. Enthusiasm is easier than obedience. But it takes more than zeal and grim determination for believers to become “instruments … useful to the Master.” For that to happen you need strength that only the Master can supply, and strength to stay morally clean and spiritually sensitive. The world would label such a lifestyle “narrow.” God calls it “holy.” And he is calling you to it—today! (NIV-Once a Day - Walk with Jesus) Streams in the Desert - “Quit you like men, be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13.) DO not pray for easy lives! Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle.—Phillips Brooks. We must remember that it is not in any easy or self-indulgent life that Christ will lead us to greatness. The easy life leads not upward, but downward. Heaven always is above us, and we must ever be looking up toward it. There are some people who always avoid things that are costly, that require self-denial, or self-restraint and sacrifice, but toil and hardship show us the only way to nobleness. Greatness comes not by having a mossy path made for you through the meadow, but by being sent to hew out a roadway by your own hands. Are you going to reach the mountain splendors? —Selected. Be strong! We are not here to play, to dream, to drift; We have hard work to do, and loads to lift. Shun not the struggle; face it. ’Tis God’s gift. Be strong! Say not the days are evil—Who’s to blame? And fold the hands and acquiesce—O shame! Stand up, speak out, and bravely, In God’s name. Be strong! It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong, How hard the battle goes, the day how long, Faint not, fight on! Tomorrow comes the song. —Maltbie D. Babcock. Strong to the End By Mary Wilder Tileston Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 STAND then in His great might, With all His strength endued; But take, to arm you for the fight, The panoply of God. Leave no unguarded place, No weakness of the soul; Take every virtue, every grace, And fortify the whole. CHARLES WESLEY LET every one consider what his weak point is; in that is his trial. His trial is not in those things which are easy to him, but in that one thing, in those several things, whatever they are, in which to do his duty is against his nature. Never think yourself safe because you do your duty in ninety-nine points; it is the hundredth which is to be the ground of your self-denial. It is with reference to this you must watch and pray; pray continually for God's grace to help you, and watch with fear and trembling lest you fall. Oh that you may (as it were) sweep the house diligently to discover what you lack of the full measure of obedience! for, be quite sure, that this apparently small defect will influence your whole spirit and judgment in all things. J H NEWMAN The hymn below was written by Dr. Isaac Watts to follow a sermon on the text "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). Am I a Soldier of the Cross. (watch the graphics with this video if you dare! I pray it convicts you as it did me! Powerful!) (Read short biography of Isaac Watts - it will bless your heart!) (More on Isaac Watts) Am I a soldier of the cross, A follow’r of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause, Or blush to speak His name? Must I be carried to the skies On flow’ry beds of ease, While others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood? Is this vile world a friend to grace, To help me on to God? Sure I must fight if I would reign; Increase my courage, Lord; I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word. Thy saints in all this glorious war Shall conquer, though they die; They see the triumph from afar, By faith’s discerning eye. When that illustrious day shall rise, And all Thy armies shine In robes of vict’ry through the skies, The glory shall be Thine. 1 Corinthians 16 Strength Of A Man Read: 1 Corinthians 16:9-13 | Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. —1 Corinthians 16:13 Some years ago I found myself in an elevator with a couple of men. It was late at night, and we all looked weary. The elevator came to a stop, and a larger-than-life cowboy ambled in, wearing a battered hat, an old, stained sheepskin coat, and rundown logger boots. He looked us up and down, met our eyes, and growled, “Good evening, men.” All of us straightened up and squared our shoulders. We were trying to live up to the name. On this day, which is given over to honoring guys, let’s talk about living up to the name man. We try to be strong and macho, but often it’s just a façade. For all our effort, we realize we don’t measure up. Underneath the bravado we harbor a host of fears, insecurities, and shortcomings. Much of our manliness is pure bluff. Paul was man enough to admit it: “We also are weak,” he said (2 Cor. 13:4). That’s not pious chatter; it’s a humbling fact. Yet in what seems to be a contradiction, Paul insisted that we are to be “men of courage” (1 Cor. 16:13NIV). Come, Lord, and give me courage, Thy conquering Spirit give; Make me an overcomer— In power within me live. —Anon. True strength is the power of God in the soul. FAITHFULNESS Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried, and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10 One winter when the Roman emperor Licinius was persecuting the Christians, his Thundering Legion was stationed at Sebaste. Because 40 men in that company had declared themselves believers, they were sen¬tenced to spend the night naked on a frozen pool. A large fire was kindled in a house nearby, and food and a warm bath were prepared for any who would renounce their faith. As daylight faded, 40 warriors continued to resist in spite of the bitter cold—some walking quickly to and fro, some already sleeping that sleep which ends in death, and some standing, lost in prayer. These words arose to heaven, "0 Lord, 40 wrestlers have come forth to fight for Thee. Grant that 40 wrestlers may gain the victory!" Finally, one of them could endure the suffering no longer. He left the others and went into the house where Sempronius and his men were on guard. But still the petition went up from those able to speak, "0 Lord, 40 wrestlers have come forth to fight for Thee. Grant that 40 wrestlers may gain the victory!" Their prayer was answered. Sempronius the centurion was touched by his comrades' bravery, and the Holy Spirit moved upon his heart. Declaring him¬self a Christian, he went to the frozen pond and took the place of the one defector. When the long night was over, 40 glorious spirits, Sempronius among them, had entered into the presence of Christ. If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:12 In the 17th century a girl named Maria Durant lived in southern France. She was attractive and intelligent, and life beckoned joyously to her. She was also deeply spiritual, and she was not ashamed to speak out for Christ. The persecution of Christians in that area, however, became so severe that her witness was no longer tolerated by the authorities. She refused to be silent and as a result was imprisoned. For 38 years, while life with its pleasures passed her by, she main¬tained a shining testimony. Her valiant stand for the truth was costly. Rather than yield to pressure and renounce her Lord, she stood firm. Knowing full well that her imprisonment was denying her the joys of marriage and a family, she would not compromise her faith. The years of privation finally sapped her strength, and she died a martyr's death. Maria Durant had not only lived a life of inward holiness, but she had also "resisted unto blood" the outward tide of iniquity. It is said that tourists still go and look with respect and sadness at the slogan scratched on the dungeon wall. It was this one word: RESIST! Yet, if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf 1 Peter 4:16 In a magazine called The Teacher, Pastor Harold Dye wrote about an 8-year-old Mexican boy named Pedro. One Sunday, after hearing the minister preach on Simon of Cyrene, the lad came up to speak to him. "You asked what we'd do if we had been in the crowd when Jesus fell under the weight of His cross," said the youngster earnestly. "I'm sure I would have been happy to help carry it!" The boy had recently accepted Christ, although his parents were antagonistic to the gospel. To test him, the minister said, "Yes, but if you had helped the Lord, the cruel Roman soldiers would probably have beaten you with whips." Without hesitation, the boy answered, "I don't care! I love Him! I'd have done it just the same." Two weeks later, Pastor Dye stood at the door of the church, greeting the people as they left the service. When Pedro came by, he patted him affectionately on his shoulder. Shrinking back with a little cry, the 8¬year-old pleaded, "Please don't do that. My back is very sore." Since he had barely touched him, the minis¬ter was puzzled. He took the youngster to a nearby cloakroom and asked him to remove his shirt. Criss-crossing his back from his neck to his waist were huge red welts. "Who did that?" the preacher asked angrily. "My mother," said Pedro. "She whipped me because I came to church!" That Mexican boy proved he was willing to stand up for the One in whom he had put his trust. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:24 John Huss, the Bohemian reformer, was burned at the stake in 1415. Before his accusers lit the fire, they placed on his head a paper crown with devils painted on it. He answered this mockery by saying, "Jesus Christ, my Lord, wore a crown of thorns for my sake; why should not I then, for His sake, wear this light crown, be it ever so ignominious? Truly I will do it willingly." After the wood was stacked up to Huss' neck, the Duke of Bavaria asked him to renounce his preaching. Trust¬ing completely in God's Word, Huss replied, "In the truth of the gospel which I preached, I die willingly and joyfully today." The wood was ignited, and Huss died while singing, "Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, have mercy on me." Watch, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 George Whitefield, who lived about 200 years ago, exhibited an unflinching devotion to Christ. After preaching several times one day, he went to his room completely exhausted. As he was preparing for bed, he was informed that a large crowd had gathered and wanted him to speak just once more. Summoning his remaining strength, he took a candle with him and said he would preach till it was burned out. The taper flick-ered its last about an hour later, and Whitefield closed in prayer and went inside. The next morning they found him on his knees beside his bed—the flame of his earthly existence had glimmered and died. "Faithful unto death," he now awaits the promised crown! Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 An elderly Scottish preacher was rebuked by one of his deacons one Sunday morning before the service. "Pastor," said the man, "something must be wrong with your preaching and your work. There's been only one person added to the church in a whole year, and he's just a boy." The minister listened, his eyes moistening and his thin hand trembling. "I feel it all," he replied, "but God knows I've tried to do my duty." On that day the minister's heart was heavy as he stood before his flock. As he finished the message, he felt a strong inclination to resign. After everyone else had left, that one boy came to him and asked, "Do you think if I worked hard for an education, I could become a preacher, or maybe a missionary?" Again tears welled up in the minister's eyes. "Ah, this heals the ache I feel," he said. "Robert, I see the Divine hand now. May God bless you, my boy. Yes, I think you will become a preacher." Many years later an aged missionary returned to London from Africa. His name was spoken with reverence. Nobles invited him to their homes. Many souls had been added to the church of Jesus Christ, and he had reached even some of Africa's most savage chiefs. His name was Robert Moffat, the same Robert who years before had spoken to the pastor that Sunday morning in the old Scottish kirk. J R Miller - "Be men of courage; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13 Gentleness and good temper are not all. One may have these qualities, and yet be lacking in the completeness of well-rounded Christian character. There must be strength as well as beauty. Love is the fulfilling of the law; all the commandments being summed up in one, "You shall love." But love is a large word. It is like one of those composite pictures, into which many pictures are blended. All the elements of duty to God and to our fellows—are wrapped up in the divine conception of loving. It will not do, therefore, for us to take merely the things that belong to the gentle side, and think of these as the whole of Christian character. Christ was infinitely gentle. The warmth of his heart made a tropical summer all about him. But behind the gentleness, was also infinite strength. We must be like him, not only in gentle warmth—but also in truth and strength and righteousness. We must be to others, not only tenderness—but also strength to lean upon, and stability in which they may find refuge. Charles Stanley - SPIRITUAL ALERTNESS SCRIPTURE READING: James 4:1–8 KEY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. During the Persian Gulf War, surprise was an effective tool of the Allied Forces. Both the air and the ground offensives used the element of surprise in their tactical maneuvers, catching the Iraqi military off guard on numerous occasions. Some of our success, however, can be attributed to a lack of alertness on behalf of the Iraqi soldiers. Those soldiers, buried deep in bunkers, were mentally lulled into tactical lethargy. Alertness to the strategy and presence of the enemy is always a fundamental part of winning a war, including the spiritual war Christians fight against the forces of the devil, the world, and sin. Alertness is dulled by pride or self–reliance. The more confident you are in your abilities, the more complacent you are about sin and the less attentive you are to the enemy’s efforts. Do you know that you wake up to a spiritual war each morning? Are you aware that the power of the evil one is set against you? Simply stepping out into the day with a smile and a hearty breakfast may make you feel good but does not prepare you for spiritual combat. Alertness begins with awareness of the conflict and the identity of the enemy. Steeled against his schemes, you will not be caught by surprise. Heavenly Father, remove my complacency. Let me be spiritually alert. Make me aware of the power of the evil one. Don’t let his schemes catch me by surprise. God’s Delay - The rapture of the church, the second coming of Christ, and the judgment seat of Christ have long been subjects of much debate among Christians. Varying thoughts about when the church will be raptured abound. However, you can trust this fact: Jesus will do exactly what He promised. He will return for you. It is easy to see how misconstrued theologies often obscure the impact of God’s will for our lives. Immediately following Paul’s clarification of the rapture to the Thessalonian church is an exhortation for them to return to faithful, vibrant, sober living. The Thessalonians had been focused on the rapture and were worried that they might have missed it. Many of them had stopped working. In essence, Paul wrote to tell them to go back to work—to be watchful and not lazy. Paul was not the only apostle to encounter this type of error concerning future events. Peter dealt with false teaching and realized the deadly threat it presented to the young church. In his second letter, Peter admonished his readers to be diligent in their faith and to remember that God is not slow in keeping His promise (2 Peter 3:9). Warren
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MacArthur explains that love "keeps our firmness from becoming hardness and our strength from becoming domineering. It keeps our maturity gentle and considerate. It keeps our right doctrine from becoming obstinate dogmatism and our right living from becoming smug self-righteousness." (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) Let all that you do be done in love - This command in the present imperative (see need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) and in the middle voice calling for the keeping of all four commands in 1 Cor 16:13 and everything (let all) else they do in an atmosphere of love. This ingredient was in "short supply" among the believers in Corinth! Thus one is immediately reminded of Paul's warning against doing anything without love writing "And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing." (1 Cor 13:3+). It is worth noting the small preposition "IN" instead of "WITH" love. In is the locative of sphere and pictures love as the very atmosphere in which the other four commands are to be exercised. "Love must be very atmosphere in which their lives move." (Robertson and Plummer) In other words Paul is not saying do the previous 4 commands and then do this one "with" love or accompanied by love. No, the previous commands are to be carried out in the atmosphere of unconditional, God-like, God enabled love. Vine explains the vital importance of all things to be done in love - This (DOING ALL THINGS IN LOVE) was impossible if party divisions existed, if meetings for the breaking of bread were characterized by selfishness, and if rivalry and jealousy manifested themselves. Love that counteracts all such things can only be in true exercise where the love of Christ has full control and the hearts of believers are subject to the constant ministry of the Holy Spirit (ED: cf Ro 5:5, Gal 5:22). (Collected Writings) Matthew Henry on be done in love - Our zeal and constancy must be consistent with charity (love). When the apostle would have us play the man for our faith or religion, he puts in a caution against playing the devil for it. We may defend our faith, but we must, at the same time, maintain our innocence, and not devour and destroy, and think with ourselves that the wrath of man will work the righteousness of God, James 1:24. Christians should be careful that charity not only reign in their hearts, but shine out in their lives, nay, in their most manly defences of the faith of the gospel. There is a great difference between constancy and cruelty, between Christian firmness and feverish wrath and transport. Christianity never appears to so much advantage as when the charity of Christians is most conspicuous when they can bear with their mistaken brethren, and oppose the open enemies of their holy faith in love, when everything is done in charity, when they behave towards one another, and towards all men, with a spirit of meekness and good will. Love (noun) (26) (agape) is unconditional and sacrificial, describing the love that God is (1Jn 4:8+ 1 Jn 4:16+), that God shows (Jn 3:16+, 1Jn 4:9+) and that God enables in His children by His Spirit (Gal 5:22+; cf Ro 5:5+) Agape in 1-2 Cor - 1 Co. 4:21; 1 Co. 8:1; 1 Co. 13:1; 1 Co. 13:2; 1 Co. 13:3; 1 Co. 13:4; 1 Co. 13:8; 1 Co. 13:13; 1 Co. 14:1; 1 Co. 16:14; 1 Co. 16:24; 2 Co. 2:4; 2 Co. 2:8; 2 Co. 5:14; 2 Co. 6:6; 2 Co. 8:7; 2 Co. 8:8; 2 Co. 8:24; 2 Co. 13:11; 2 Co. 13:14 Henry Blackaby - Everything in Love Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 Christians play by a different set of rules than the world does. The world says it’s good to be honest, moral, and loving, but there are certain times when it’s OK to make an exception. When you are threatened or mistreated, the world gives permission to respond in anger. The world accepts revenge when someone hurts you first. It tolerates immorality as long as you don’t hurt anyone else. In the world there are lots of gray areas that are left up to the individual’s discretion. The standard for Christians, however, is straightforward. Do everything in love. No qualifiers. No exceptions. “How is that possible?” you ask. “After all, aren’t there times when people hurt you and take advantage of you? Don’t you have to look out for yourself? Why does it matter as long as no one gets hurt?” The Bible doesn’t give a single example where acting with love is inappropriate. If anyone ever had an excuse to make an exception, it was Jesus. People hated him so much they tortured him and killed him. Jesus loved them and forgave them. People ridiculed him and betrayed him. In return, he loved them. No one else in human history was as powerful as Jesus, yet not once did he take advantage of another person. Jesus never based his actions on what others did to him or around him. He lived by one truth: love. As Christ’s followers, we too must base our lives on Jesus’ standard. A Christian should never be known as an angry or selfish person. The one thing that should characterize each one of us is that we love (John 13:35). (The Experience) John MacArthur - THE ANTIDOTE FOR SIN “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor. 16:14). The more you love God, the less you will sin. Scripture and personal experience teach us that sin always has its consequences. When you harbor unconfessed sin, you dishonor God and forfeit the blessings and joy He desires for you. Prolonged sin might even bring His chastening through pain or illness. That’s what happened to Corinthian believers who partook of the Lord’s Table in a sinful manner (1 Cor. 11:27–30). Paul warned the rest of the congregation to take careful spiritual inventory of themselves to avoid incurring a similar punishment. In chapter 13 he reveals the root of their problem, saying in effect, “Some of you are physically ill because you’re sinning. Start loving God and one another as you should and your ailments will disappear.” Love is the antidote for sin. When a Pharisee asked Jesus which of the commandments was greatest, Jesus replied, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 22:37–40). If you love the Lord and your fellow men, you won’t sin against them. That’s why Paul said, “He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:8–10). Love is your highest calling and the greatest contribution you can make to others. But it’s possible to neglect it or misunderstand its characteristics. That’s why we’re going to spend this month exploring true love and how it functions. As we do, pray that your love for God and others will increase each day. (Drawing Near) 1 Corinthians 16:15 Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), the household of Stephanas: 1Co 16:17 1 Cor 1:16 the first fruits: Ro 16:5 Rev 14:4 to the: Ac 9:36-41 Ro 12:13 15:25 16:2 2Co 8:4 9:1,12-15 1Ti 5:10 Phm 1:7 Heb 6:10 1Pe 4:10 1 Corinthians 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages 1 Corinthians 1:16+ Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. Romans 16:5+ also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert (aparche = "first fruits") to Christ from Asia. James 1:18+ In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. FIRSTFRUITS FOCUS ON FELLOW SAINTS Constable prefaces this next section with a good word - The Corinthians had a special problem with submission to authority, as we have seen. Many in the church wanted to do their own thing. 1 Cor 16:16-18 would have encouraged them to appreciate some less flashy servants of the Lord. (Commentary) Robertson and Plummer - He now says a word in commendation of some among themselves whose services to the Church ought to command esteem and deference as well as love. Perhaps he had heard that those whom he mentions had been treated with disrespect. (Critical and Exegetical Commentary) Now I (present tense - continually) urge (parakaleo) you, brethren (adelphos) (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia (Corinth is in Achaia - see red area in map) - The believers in the household of Stephanas were the "first crop harvested in Achaia." First fruits is used figuratively here to refer to new believers in Jesus Christ, Who Himself is called "the first fruits of those who are asleep (dead)." Jesus' resurrection was a type of fulfillment of the feast of first fruits and as such was the promise and the pledge of a greater harvest of "first fruits" to follow. Paul is setting forth shining the shining example of Stephanas for the Corinthians to emulate. One can only imagine the courage it took for Stephanas and his household to step out in faith in the midst of the Corinthian cesspool of immorality, idolatry, injustice and worldliness. Rick Renner - Although the word diakonos emphatically speaks of their servant attitude, it also shows us that they were addicted to serving others with the highest possible standard of excellence. John MacArthur has an interesting comment on first fruits - The first fruits were the part of a crop that was planted first and therefore ripened and was harvested first. Its appearance was a sign to the farmer that the remainder of the crop would also soon be ready to harvest. The conversion of Stephanas and his household was a sign that God was ready to reap an even greater harvest of souls in Corinth and the rest of Achaia. The believers to whom Paul wrote this letter were all a part of that harvest. (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) Robertson and Plummer - Dionysius the Areopagite, Damaris, and possibly others (Acts 17:34+) had been won over before Stephanas, but his was the first Christian household, and as such was the foundation of the Church in those parts. It began with ‘the Church in his house.’ In a similar sense Epaenetus was ἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀσίας (Rom. 16:5). It was no doubt on account of this important fact that St Paul made an exception in his usual practice and baptized Stephanas and his household (1:16). What follows shows their devotion to the cause. (Critical and Exegetical Commentary) First fruits (536) aparche from apó = away from + árchomai = to begin) is the OT technical term used to describe the first portion of a grain harvest or fruit harvest. The first portion of the harvest was regarded both as a first installment and as a pledge of the final delivery of the whole and were offered to God in thanksgiving for His goodness in providing them. Here in 1 Cor 16:16 and in James 1:18+ the term refers to new converts, born again believers. Paul used this same word of Christ "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep." (1 Cor 15:20+) "But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming,: (1 Cor 15:23+) (see chart depicting First Fruits, Christ - As OT Prophecy of His Resurrection) And that they have devoted (committed, appointed, diligently gave) themselves for ministry to the saints (hagios) - Wuest has "that they took upon themselves the responsibility of a ministering service to the saints," Devoted themselves is translated "addicted themselves" in the KJV! The idea is that they had "put themselves in position for service." Devoted is the verb tasso picturing the household of Stephanas as "appointing themselves" or "assigning themselves," setting themselves out to the ministry to the other saints. Clearly it was it was a self-imposed duty they gladly, willingly and voluntarily undertook and not a burdensome or onerous task. They did it for the sole purpose of benefiting their brethren, the saints (hagios). The precise nature of their ministry is not described but as the origin of the word diakonia implies, they undertook even the most menial tasks for their brethren. Jesus used the related noun teaching that "the greatest among you shall be your servant (diakonos)." (Mt 23:11) In Mark 10:45+ Jesus modeled the meaning of this word group when He taught the disciples an important lesson of servanthood declaring that "the Son of Man did not come to be served (diakoneo), but to serve (diakoneo), and to give His life a ransom for many.” Paul used the word diakonos in 1 Cor 3:5+ asking "What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants (diakonos) through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one." The household of Stephanas in devoting themselves to ministry (diakonia) were in effect imitating Paul (diakonos) who himself had imitated Christ's example of service (1 Cor 11:1+). Robertson and Plummer on have devoted - here it is evident that the Apostle had not appointed Stephanas and his household to any διακονία. They had spontaneously taken this service upon themselves. Just as the brethren appointed (ἔταξαν) that Paul and Barnabas and others should go to Jerusalem about the question of circumcision (Acts 15:2+- tasso), so Stephanas and his household appointed (devoted) themselves to the service of their fellow-Christians. It was a self-imposed duty. (Critical and Exegetical Commentary)
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MacArthur - Paul was speaking of the genuine and spontaneous expression of brotherly or sisterly love, which in that day often was expressed by a kiss. A warm, affectionate handshake or an arm around the shoulder can express the same affection. In most of the church today the danger is in showing too little affection rather than too much.One of the dangers of large churches is that they easily allow strangers to remain strangers. A shy person is often not noticed, and some Christians, unfortunately, do not want to get involved in the fellowship. But where there is genuine love, Christians will find ways to make friends with strangers and to show affection to Christian brothers and sisters. (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) (ED: GUESS WHO MAJORS SO TO SPEAK IN GIVING ATTENTION TO VISITORS? YOU GUESSED IT - THE CULTS! HOW CONVICTED THE CHURCH SHOULD BE!) A T
1 Coríntios 16
MacArthur has an interesting comment on the juxtaposition of accursed and Maranatha - The two seemingly inconsistent parts of Paul's closing words are related to the same truth, the theme of the epistle itself: love. The warning is against those whose lack of love for the Lord proves their lostness. The gracious affection is expressed to those who, with Paul, do love the Lord and each other. I believe that in this context maranatha, an Aramaic term meaning "Our Lord, come," is Paul's appeal for the Lord to come and take away those who are accursed, the nominal, false Christians who are always such a great threat to the true church. The idea is, "God, come and remove them" before they cause more harm. Maranatha thus contains an implied invitation to those lost church members to receive Christ before God takes them away and the opportunity for salvation is forever gone. (MNTC- 1 Corinthians) Robertson and Plummer on accursed Maranatha - the saying, though in no way a malediction, is monitory in tone. It warns them that at any moment they may have to answer for their shortcomings. Why St Paul gives this warning in Aramaic rather than in Greek, is unknown. The most probable conjecture is that in this language it had become a sort of motto or password among Christians, and familiar in that shape, like ‘Alleluia’ with ourselves. (Critical and Exegetical Commentary)