1 Corinthians 16

vs 1

Does this verse suggest that the Corinthian churches knew what Paul had told the Galatian churches? Or is he just saying that, so that they know that they're not the only ones doing it?

In any case, there is a gift being collected from all the greek churches for Jerusalem. It's a bit of a different culture though - whereas we are asked if we will give, they are told that they will give, and told how to collect it. You might be surprised - all I can say is visit a Singaporean Christian church some time!

vs 2

Of course, bank deposits and credit card payments weren't acceptable back then. Paul is simply telling them to do the work in advance, to be prepared. Very practical.

vs 3

Ahhhh, letters of introduction. If you've ever wanted to know how to be a kooky wierdo idiotic Christian cult, take one verse from the Bible which no one really remembers, like this one. Then blow it all out of proportion, and apply it to any situation you possibly can. Then be so legalistic about it that if it is not followed to your stringent standards, you can safely call the person unchristian.

I mean, we're talking about a church existing under pain of death here! You couldn't just walk through the front doors! They didn't have big buildings around with huge crosses on top! Repeat after me, tighties - "Pre-Constantine, pre-Constantine!"

Look, I don't know if the Constantinian idea of imperial religion was a good thing for Christianity. I'm even less sure about the statewide imposition of Christendom on Europe for over 1000 years. But God either made them happen or allowed them to happen, and they are a fact. And Brethren more than anyone should remember their roots and understand the meaninglessness or letters of introduction.

Anyway... even if the Corinthian church gave their own men letters of introduction, they would be worthless! Paul needs to give them. Why? Because the Jerusalem church knows the name of Paul - the names of the leaders of backwards hickville church in Corinth would scarcely be recogniesd.

vs 4

Paul might go to, but of course he's got a full schedule on his missionary trips.

vs 5

You really wonder how much Paul knew about his own directions. Sometimes you look at his trips, and they seem a little higglty-pigglty. But he did want to visit the Corinthians. You can see, though, from his words, that they aren't as warm as his letters to other churches. This is more of a "beware ye therefore, for ye know not when the master of the house cometh" sort of letter.

vs 6

Although he sounds like he is weighing up, he certainly isn't giving them any choice in the matter. And well he wouldn't - Christians must show each other hospitality. Imagine calling someone on it sometime! Doesn't fit into our culture, does it?

vs 7

Paul wants to sort some of this stuff out face to face with them, so he wants to visit them for their sake, not just for picking up money and food and moving on.

vs 8-9

You might say "Already Pentecost is being followed by Christians - look how soon they have holidays of their own!" except that Pentecost is of course a Jewish celebration already ;)

You could read verse 9 in two ways - one is that there is a great opportunity for work in Ephesus, and many also oppose him there, so he will need to stay until Pentecost to get the work done. The other is that there is a great opportunity for him in Ephesus, and many oppose him in Corinth, so he will stay in Ephesus until things cool down. Both would be historically accurate.

vs 10

Interesting that Paul even needs to tell the Corinthians to look after Timothy. He doesn't tell them what he would tell other churches, to look after him and give him all he needs. This time, he tells the Corinthians "don't give him anything to fear". Doesn't sound promising.

vs 11

People might even refuse to accept him. You might think "Oh, it's because he's young, like Paul says in the letter to Timothy. Probably more likely because he will be seen as being in the "Paul camp" and so people won't like him. Doesn't sound like a great place to go for your itinerant ministry at present.

vs 12

Not even Apollos wanted to go there! But it seems Paul talked him into going when he has the time and opportunity.