“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14; read chapter 16)

In the concluding remarks of his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul gives a series of powerful, concise commands that are just as vital for believers today as they were for the early church. These aren’t suggestions for spiritual excellence; they are essentials for navigating the Christian life in a fractured world.

The closing chapter of 1 Corinthians includes an urgent call: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (v. 13).

• Watch: Be alert. The Christian life is not a cruise, but a battlefield. We must be aware of the spiritual dangers, temptations, and deceptive influences around us. This calls for sobriety and prayerfulness (1 Peter 5:8).

• Stand fast in the faith: Firmly hold to the core truth of the Gospel. Don’t be swayed by shifting doctrines or cultural trends. Our foundation is Christ and His cross, and we must remain rooted in Him (Colossians 2:6-7).

• Be brave, be strong: These commands speak to courage and resilience. Following Christ often requires us to go against the current of the world. It takes strength — not our own, but the strength that the Holy Spirit supplies — to live holy lives, forgive the unforgivable, and share the truth boldly.

Yet, this list of virtues is incomplete without Paul’s final, overarching instruction: “Let all that you do be done with love” (v. 14).

Love is the indispensable ingredient. It is the framework that gives meaning to watching, standing, and being strong. Without love, our courage is mere self-assertion; our strength, potentially abusive; and our doctrinal stance, cold legalism (1 Cor. 13:1-3). Paul has already spent a significant portion of this letter (chapter 13) defining this selfless, agape love, making it clear that it must permeate every action, every interaction, and every belief.

Our strong stand for the faith must be offered with gentle, compassionate love. Our bravery in ministry must be fueled by a deep love for God and for the people we serve. We are to be the strongest people, standing firm on the truth, and simultaneously the most loving people, demonstrating Christ’s self-giving nature to the world.

Takeaway Challenge: How does your “strong stand” in life look when filtered through the command to “do everything with love”? This week, ask God to show you an area where you need to be strong in conviction and generous in love.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the clear, powerful directives in Your Word. Strengthen us to watch and be alert, to stand fast in the truth of the Gospel, and to be brave and strong as we live for You. Most of all, Holy Spirit, fill us with the love of Christ, that all we do — our standing, our speaking, our serving — will be motivated and guided by love, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

Chapter 16 Outline

I. The Collection for the Saints (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)

A. The Command and Pattern (16:1)
The Corinthians are instructed to follow the same procedures for the collection for the saints as the churches of Galatia.
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also.” (1 Corinthians 16:1)

B. The Method and Timing (16:2)
The collection is to be taken up systematically on the first day of the week, with each person setting aside money according to their prosperity.
“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

C. The Delivery of the Gift (16:3-4)
Trusted messengers chosen by the Corinthians will deliver the collection to Jerusalem; Paul is willing to accompany them if the amount warrants it.
“And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.” (1 Corinthians 16:3-4)

II. Paul’s Travel Plans (1 Corinthians 16:5–9)

A. Intended Visit to Corinth (16:5–6)
Paul plans to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia, hoping to stay for some time, perhaps even through the winter.
“Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my way wherever I go.” (1 Corinthians 16:5-6)

B. Avoiding a Quick Call (16:7)
He wishes to spend a sufficient period with them and not just a brief visit in passing.
“For I do not wish to see you now on the way, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.” (1 Corinthians 16:7)

C. Present Location and Opportunity (16:8-9)
Paul will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost because a great and effective door for ministry has opened, despite significant opposition.
“But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:8-9)

III. Instructions Regarding Coworkers (1 Corinthians 16:10-12)

A. Concerning Timothy (16:10-11)
The Corinthians are instructed to receive Timothy without fear and help send him back to Paul, as he is laboring in the Lord’s work.
“And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him, but send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am expecting him with the brethren.” (1 Corinthians 16:10-11)

B. Concerning Apollos (16:12)
Paul assures the Corinthians that Apollos knows their desire for him to visit, but he has chosen to delay his visit until a more convenient time.
“Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.” (1 Corinthians 16:12)

IV. Final Exhortations (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

A. Call to Spiritual Vigilance (16:13)
The believers are commanded to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, and be strong.
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

B. The Rule of Love (16:14)
All actions within the community must be governed by love.
“Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)

V. Commendation and Submission (1 Corinthians 16:15-18)

A. The Household of Stephanas (16:15)
The house of Stephanas is recognized as the first converts in Achaia and commended for their dedication to ministry.
“I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints —” (1 Corinthians 16:15)

B. Exhortation to Submit (16:16)
The Corinthians are instructed to submit themselves to such diligent servants and to all who labor and work with them.
“that you also submit to such, and to everyone who helps us and labors.” (1 Corinthians 16:16)

C. Encouragement from Visitors (16:17–18)
Paul expresses joy over the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who have refreshed his spirit and the spirit of the Corinthians.
“I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours; therefore acknowledge such men.” (1 Corinthians 16:17-18)

VI. Concluding Greetings and Benediction (1 Corinthians 16:19-24)

A. Greetings from Churches and Individuals (16:19)
The churches of Asia and the individuals Aquila and Priscilla (Prisca) send their greetings.
“The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” (1 Corinthians 16:19)

B. Standard Farewell Greeting (16:20)
All the brethren send greetings, and they are instructed to greet one another with a holy kiss.
“All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (1 Corinthians 16:20)

C. Paul’s Personal Signature and Warning (16:21-22)
Paul adds a greeting written by his own hand and delivers a strong warning (anathema) to anyone who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, followed by the Aramaic phrase Maranatha (“Our Lord, come!”).
“The salutation with my own handb— Paul’s. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Maranatha!” (1 Corinthians 16:21-22)

D. Final Grace and Assurance of Love (16:23-24)
Paul concludes with a final blessing of grace and a declaration of his love for all of them in Christ Jesus.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” (1 Corinthians 16:23-24)

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]