-20-
'The Conclusion of the Matter'
(Ecclesiastes 12:13)
I Corinthians 16
Paul has corrected them in areas of immaturity that lead to denominationalism (1 Co 1:10–6:20)
Quarrels over leadership (1 Co 1:10–4:21)
Dealing with the church’s lack of judgment on sex (I Co 5)
Dealing with the church's lack of judgment on legal disputes (1 Co 6)
Paul addresses Marriage, divorce, and virginity or 'singleness' (1 Co 7)
Paul deals with offensive behavior toward fellow believers', i.e. Eating meat used for idol worship (1 Co 8–10)
Paul called the church to order and dealt with issues like:
Head coverings and authority – maintaining Biblical male-female roles (1 Co 11:1–16)
The Lord’s Supper (1 Co 11:17–34)
Using spiritual gifts (1 Co 12–14)
Paul corrected a major doctrinal error, The reality of the resurrection (1 Co 15)
As we begin this last section several 'smaller' topics are addressed
We could sum them up with 'Instructions for interacting with churches outside of Corinth.'
Collecting money is the first topic that we notice in verses 1 – 4.
Paul begins by telling the church that what he is about to say about the topic of collections is the same thing he has been saying to other churches throughout Galatia. This is not a 'Corinth only' instruction. So this means that perhaps we also should take notice. This might apply to us as well.
On the first day of the week …
Most likely this verse is the one most commonly used to explain why we take an offering every Sunday morning. Words come to mind - orderly, systematic, budget etc. These are very positive words. Taking an offering every Sunday morning has funded church ministries and missions projects for centuries.
But … regular Sunday morning collections is not what Paul had in mind here. The finances of each local house church is not the topic. We don't know how they took care of their local budgets. We don't know if their local leading elder volunteered or was paid. Paul certainly believed that they should be paid and he said so1. Paul himself refused to be paid by the Corinthians2.
If Paul is not talking about how to administer their own local budgets, or how and when to take collections … then what is he talking about? He is talking about each house church collecting money and setting it aside for him to personally pick up and have it delivered to Jerusalem. This was not for some kind of a denominational fee that the 'head-quarters' demanded. This collection was to ultimately be distributed to the churches in the Judea area … who were suffering and almost starving because of a period of unusually dry weather3. In that day and time welfare did not exist. Each church was to take care of its own membership and see that they did not starve. But when the whole church had no income … that would be very difficult to do. There was one other contributing factor to the poverty in the Jerusalem church in particular: In the very early days of the church, they had tried to live communally to some extent4. Then persecution arose after Stephen's death, and Christians suddenly were 'not liked'. This put them in a financially 'bad-off' situation. Now add to it the famine and resulting economic crisis everywhere, and we can see where this great need has suddenly come from.
In our time we have both an operating welfare system and we have food banks. But our food bank is not used in the way that Paul was talking about. The collection for Judea was not to help the poor in various communities. It was to help the poor who were members of the church.
We have to ask the question … Paul did not emphasize a ministry of outreach to the poor of the community by giving them food, shelter and some money. Why not? For two reasons. 1. It was hard enough to get money enough to make a difference for the poor of the churches let alone for the un-churched throughout the area. And 2., Taking care of brothers and sisters in the church would be noticed by those 'unchurched' of the community and that would serve to be a 'magnet' that would draw them to the church.
So the churches at that time would make it clear that the benevolence was mainly for church people. It was for 'family'. But at the same time it provided an opportunity to let outsiders know how they, too, could become family. In the parable of the Prodigal son this was the drawing card. His thinking was correct. “In my father's house there is plenty. I will go there and throw myself down at his feet in repentance.” And there was nothing wrong with his thinking. The father happily called for a clean robe to thrown over him. He called for a feast. But it is doubtful if he would have done anything like this if the son had merely came back to the father with a list of demands and expectations. He came back repentant. When we have people come to us for help, they ought to come with repentance. If we simply give them all they want and send them on their way we may actually be discouraging repentance. We need to be careful that we are not guilty of sending them to hell by not encouraging repentance.
The collection for Judea would be taken there by a minimum of two people, approved by the whole Corinthian church community. Paul would write a letter, signed by him, for the couriers to take with them. Notice how orderly and honest Paul is making this whole operation? What would stop a person from embezzling? First there was more than one person. And even if the two of them should agree to take a good sized chunk of the offering for themselves, they had with them a letter signed by the apostle. This letter, no doubt, listed the total amount of the offering. And all this precaution was done in spite of the fact that one might object, “But they are Christians filled with the Holy Spirit. They would not cheat!” Paul advises us to “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” Romans 12:17
Paul's personal travel plans in relation to Corinth.
Paul states in verse 4 that he might even go with them. When will Paul arrive to pick up this offering? He says, after he first goes through Macedonia. How long will he stay in Corinth? Maybe the whole winter. He adds, “I will give you a chance to help pay my travel expenses.” Note – Paul would not dare dip into the collection and take his expenses off the top.
Even though he is quite near to them as he writes this … (he is in Ephesus,) he wants to go up north to Macedonia, and then back down to Greece (Corinth, specifically). Here is how it will unfold: He says he will not leave Ephesus until Pentecost (Spring) because a big ministry there has just opened up for him, then he will go north, then south to Corinth and spend the winter. Are you beginning to wonder how long the hungry in Judea will have to wait before they finally get this offering?
Paul is sending a delegation of men to Corinth.
In the meanwhile, Timothy may arrive in Corinth. I wonder if he would have this letter of First Corinthians in his hand? I wonder if Paul is sending him to read it in all the church groups? Paul strongly affirms Timothy. He tells the Corinthians that, “Timothy is doing God's work 'Just like I am'. Respect him. Send him on his way back to me (cover his expenses). I will be expecting him … along with the brothers.”
What brothers? Evidently Paul is not sending Timothy alone. So a group of several men will go to Corinth and return to Paul in Ephesus. Now Paul adds that he wanted one of those men to be Apollos. Imagine the effect as the Corinthians would read the part about 'denominationalism'... with Apollos there in person to say, “Amen. Paul is totally right. Denominationalism is bad.” But … that did not happen as Paul wanted it to. Verse 12 gives off a bit a hint as to Apollos' stubborn or independent streak. It is always better to be a team player.
So from this little section of verses we discover how this 'book of First Corinthians' would be used to tune up the church. Paul was not simply 'mailing it' to them. He was not putting it in the hands of only one person to bring it to them. He was sending an official delegation to sort out this whole mess. They would use this book as their guide. This 'fix' would likely last a few weeks at least.
We don't have apostles today to come and 'fix' our churches. But we do have this book … this 'God-breathed' book, to go over a verse at a time to see if there is something in it for us.
Final encouragements and exhortations to spiritual growth.
¶ Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. 1Co 16:13
In spite of some fairly harsh words that Paul wrote earlier in this book, I detect a heart of love toward these people. These are the words of a caring father. The apostle John wrote in one of his letters; “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” 3Jo 1:4. And Paul himself wrote earlier in this book;“For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” 4:15
Exhortation to recognize recent Christian newcomers as leadership.
Paul mentions in verse 17 that a group of three men from Corinth had paid him a visit. He says that their visit was very refreshing to him. He said that he took it as if these men were representatives of the Corinthian church, specifically sent to bless Paul and encourage him. This was not the case. The church was so divided that they could not possibly have agreed to send such a delegation to Paul. As a matter of fact, these men probably brought a few of those yellow sticky notes that various ones in Corinth had given them to bring to Paul. Sticky notes? Well you get the point. Remember this verse?
¶ Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: 1Co 7:1
Going back to verse 15 Paul reveals a bit of background information about one of the men. Stephanas.
Stephanas and his household, according to what we have just read, were the 'first-fruits' of Achaia. Corinth was in the province of Achaia. So what is Paul saying? That this family was one of the very first that came to Christ and became the basis of the new church in Corinth that Paul was planting there. So, to a church that was so divided over leadership --- Paul, Apollos, Peter etc., Paul strongly says that the division must end. He says, “Recognize Stephanas as a leader and submit to him.” I believe Paul is using his Apostolic authority to announce; “Stephanas is now pastor of the whole church of Corinth. Submit to him. And by the way, there are a few others whose work and labor is exactly like mine … submit to them too. They need to be publicly acknowledged as leadership.” (verse 18)
Paul's salutation and those of his colleagues.
“The churches of Asia greet you” We have no way of knowing if Paul had heard from each church in Asia and that they specifically had said, “By the way … when you talk to the Corinthians, send them our greeting.” Likely not. It probably is more of an 'accurate sentiment' that Paul detects. In other words, there is an 'inter-church' love that he senses.
But when he says in verse 19 'Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.', he is being specific. Paul is presently in Ephesus and, as in every city, the church met in various homes. Aquila and Priscilla were leaders of just one of the home-groups in Ephesus. You can read more about these two in the book of Acts.5
All the brethren greet you. Now Paul includes people from all of the Ephesus house-churches. What a blessing it would have been to have lived in Ephesus back then. Imagine living there and knowing that the Apostle Paul was also living there and knowing that as he 'made the rounds', he would visit with you in your own house-church!
Greet one another with a holy kiss. When I was a teen-ager I secretly wondered what it would be like if we were to adopt a practice like this. In portugal and other similar places it is customary to greet a person with a kiss on the cheek, and then the person turns the other cheek for a second kiss.
I am not sure that Paul is merely emphasizing a custom. He is emphasizing warmth, closeness, acceptance, forgiveness and the many other aspects of true 'brotherhood'.
Paul signs this letter. (verse 21) He never wrote his own letters. In this case we believe it was Sosthenes who we talked about in the opening chapter of this book. Paul had a vision problem, but he always signed his letters personally, even though he did not write them himself. Because of his vision handicap he wrote with very large letters. Here is how he ended his letter the the Galatians: ¶ See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand.
I am certain that Paul would have liked to have had better vision. In those day glasses had not been invented, let alone laser surgery. What about divine healing? Yes, Paul that that was an option, so he prayed about it. Three times he prayed about this 'infirmity in his flesh'6 But God decided not to heal Paul. God even gave Paul the reason that He was not healing him. When we pray for healing, do we take into account that what God thinks is best for us … is really best, or that God has for us a specific plan that is unique to our particular situations?
Paul appreciates the fact that he was so loved by the Galatian Christians that they would have done this: “I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Ga 4:15
But Paul accepted God's answer; And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made complete in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.2Co 12:9
God can do so much more through using a person who is weak. We then can know for certain that it was God. God does not want to use you for your many strengths and talents. No, He wants you to recognize that you are weak. Then He wants to use the gift that HE placed within you. May we also come to the place that we can appreciate our weaknesses and know that whatever it is that God does through us … is all God!
Paul ends his letter with a curse and blessing.
1Co 16:22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
What should our attitude be toward unbelievers? Paul wanted them to accept Christ and so should we. But what if they don't? We have to learn say with Paul, Let them be accursed! Rejecting God, rejecting Jesus is not a little thing. It is the most evil, unpardonable thing that a person can do. While we are trying to love the lost and do whatever we can to show them the love of God, may we have wisdom to know when it is time to talk to them about judgment and hell. 1Co 16:22
O Lord, come! These words should be on our hearts too. As we think these words or express them … we are deciding between two thoughts … “Wait a little longer please Jesus, there are still so many out in sin!” and the other thought, “"He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still."Re 22:11
We say with apostle John … Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Re 22:20
His closing words … The grace (favor) of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
And with that he concludes a letter that that was strong in correction. But this book was more than that.
Paul said this to Timothy about the use of all scripture. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”, 2Timothy 3:16 . We have seen teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in this book. I trust we will go over it again and again and allow God to do this in our own lives.
And we conclude with Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
1 ¶ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and in teaching.
1Timothy 5:17
2 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. 2Co 11:8,9
You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. Ac 20:34
3Ac 11:28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
4 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;Acts 2:44
5 Acts 18:2-26
6 II Corinthians 12:7-10
Quarrels over leadership (1 Co 1:10–4:21)
Dealing with the church’s lack of judgment on sex (I Co 5)
Dealing with the church's lack of judgment on legal disputes (1 Co 6)
Paul addresses Marriage, divorce, and virginity or 'singleness' (1 Co 7)
Paul deals with offensive behavior toward fellow believers', i.e. Eating meat used for idol worship (1 Co 8–10)
Paul called the church to order and dealt with issues like:
Head coverings and authority – maintaining Biblical male-female roles (1 Co 11:1–16)
The Lord’s Supper (1 Co 11:17–34)
Using spiritual gifts (1 Co 12–14)
Paul corrected a major doctrinal error, The reality of the resurrection (1 Co 15)
As we begin this last section several 'smaller' topics are addressed
We could sum them up with 'Instructions for interacting with churches outside of Corinth.'
Collecting money is the first topic that we notice in verses 1 – 4.
Paul begins by telling the church that what he is about to say about the topic of collections is the same thing he has been saying to other churches throughout Galatia. This is not a 'Corinth only' instruction. So this means that perhaps we also should take notice. This might apply to us as well.
On the first day of the week …
Most likely this verse is the one most commonly used to explain why we take an offering every Sunday morning. Words come to mind - orderly, systematic, budget etc. These are very positive words. Taking an offering every Sunday morning has funded church ministries and missions projects for centuries.
But … regular Sunday morning collections is not what Paul had in mind here. The finances of each local house church is not the topic. We don't know how they took care of their local budgets. We don't know if their local leading elder volunteered or was paid. Paul certainly believed that they should be paid and he said so1. Paul himself refused to be paid by the Corinthians2.
If Paul is not talking about how to administer their own local budgets, or how and when to take collections … then what is he talking about? He is talking about each house church collecting money and setting it aside for him to personally pick up and have it delivered to Jerusalem. This was not for some kind of a denominational fee that the 'head-quarters' demanded. This collection was to ultimately be distributed to the churches in the Judea area … who were suffering and almost starving because of a period of unusually dry weather3. In that day and time welfare did not exist. Each church was to take care of its own membership and see that they did not starve. But when the whole church had no income … that would be very difficult to do. There was one other contributing factor to the poverty in the Jerusalem church in particular: In the very early days of the church, they had tried to live communally to some extent4. Then persecution arose after Stephen's death, and Christians suddenly were 'not liked'. This put them in a financially 'bad-off' situation. Now add to it the famine and resulting economic crisis everywhere, and we can see where this great need has suddenly come from.
In our time we have both an operating welfare system and we have food banks. But our food bank is not used in the way that Paul was talking about. The collection for Judea was not to help the poor in various communities. It was to help the poor who were members of the church.
We have to ask the question … Paul did not emphasize a ministry of outreach to the poor of the community by giving them food, shelter and some money. Why not? For two reasons. 1. It was hard enough to get money enough to make a difference for the poor of the churches let alone for the un-churched throughout the area. And 2., Taking care of brothers and sisters in the church would be noticed by those 'unchurched' of the community and that would serve to be a 'magnet' that would draw them to the church.
So the churches at that time would make it clear that the benevolence was mainly for church people. It was for 'family'. But at the same time it provided an opportunity to let outsiders know how they, too, could become family. In the parable of the Prodigal son this was the drawing card. His thinking was correct. “In my father's house there is plenty. I will go there and throw myself down at his feet in repentance.” And there was nothing wrong with his thinking. The father happily called for a clean robe to thrown over him. He called for a feast. But it is doubtful if he would have done anything like this if the son had merely came back to the father with a list of demands and expectations. He came back repentant. When we have people come to us for help, they ought to come with repentance. If we simply give them all they want and send them on their way we may actually be discouraging repentance. We need to be careful that we are not guilty of sending them to hell by not encouraging repentance.
The collection for Judea would be taken there by a minimum of two people, approved by the whole Corinthian church community. Paul would write a letter, signed by him, for the couriers to take with them. Notice how orderly and honest Paul is making this whole operation? What would stop a person from embezzling? First there was more than one person. And even if the two of them should agree to take a good sized chunk of the offering for themselves, they had with them a letter signed by the apostle. This letter, no doubt, listed the total amount of the offering. And all this precaution was done in spite of the fact that one might object, “But they are Christians filled with the Holy Spirit. They would not cheat!” Paul advises us to “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” Romans 12:17
Paul's personal travel plans in relation to Corinth.
Paul states in verse 4 that he might even go with them. When will Paul arrive to pick up this offering? He says, after he first goes through Macedonia. How long will he stay in Corinth? Maybe the whole winter. He adds, “I will give you a chance to help pay my travel expenses.” Note – Paul would not dare dip into the collection and take his expenses off the top.
Even though he is quite near to them as he writes this … (he is in Ephesus,) he wants to go up north to Macedonia, and then back down to Greece (Corinth, specifically). Here is how it will unfold: He says he will not leave Ephesus until Pentecost (Spring) because a big ministry there has just opened up for him, then he will go north, then south to Corinth and spend the winter. Are you beginning to wonder how long the hungry in Judea will have to wait before they finally get this offering?
Paul is sending a delegation of men to Corinth.
In the meanwhile, Timothy may arrive in Corinth. I wonder if he would have this letter of First Corinthians in his hand? I wonder if Paul is sending him to read it in all the church groups? Paul strongly affirms Timothy. He tells the Corinthians that, “Timothy is doing God's work 'Just like I am'. Respect him. Send him on his way back to me (cover his expenses). I will be expecting him … along with the brothers.”
What brothers? Evidently Paul is not sending Timothy alone. So a group of several men will go to Corinth and return to Paul in Ephesus. Now Paul adds that he wanted one of those men to be Apollos. Imagine the effect as the Corinthians would read the part about 'denominationalism'... with Apollos there in person to say, “Amen. Paul is totally right. Denominationalism is bad.” But … that did not happen as Paul wanted it to. Verse 12 gives off a bit a hint as to Apollos' stubborn or independent streak. It is always better to be a team player.
So from this little section of verses we discover how this 'book of First Corinthians' would be used to tune up the church. Paul was not simply 'mailing it' to them. He was not putting it in the hands of only one person to bring it to them. He was sending an official delegation to sort out this whole mess. They would use this book as their guide. This 'fix' would likely last a few weeks at least.
We don't have apostles today to come and 'fix' our churches. But we do have this book … this 'God-breathed' book, to go over a verse at a time to see if there is something in it for us.
Final encouragements and exhortations to spiritual growth.
¶ Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. 1Co 16:13
In spite of some fairly harsh words that Paul wrote earlier in this book, I detect a heart of love toward these people. These are the words of a caring father. The apostle John wrote in one of his letters; “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” 3Jo 1:4. And Paul himself wrote earlier in this book;“For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” 4:15
Exhortation to recognize recent Christian newcomers as leadership.
Paul mentions in verse 17 that a group of three men from Corinth had paid him a visit. He says that their visit was very refreshing to him. He said that he took it as if these men were representatives of the Corinthian church, specifically sent to bless Paul and encourage him. This was not the case. The church was so divided that they could not possibly have agreed to send such a delegation to Paul. As a matter of fact, these men probably brought a few of those yellow sticky notes that various ones in Corinth had given them to bring to Paul. Sticky notes? Well you get the point. Remember this verse?
¶ Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: 1Co 7:1
Going back to verse 15 Paul reveals a bit of background information about one of the men. Stephanas.
Stephanas and his household, according to what we have just read, were the 'first-fruits' of Achaia. Corinth was in the province of Achaia. So what is Paul saying? That this family was one of the very first that came to Christ and became the basis of the new church in Corinth that Paul was planting there. So, to a church that was so divided over leadership --- Paul, Apollos, Peter etc., Paul strongly says that the division must end. He says, “Recognize Stephanas as a leader and submit to him.” I believe Paul is using his Apostolic authority to announce; “Stephanas is now pastor of the whole church of Corinth. Submit to him. And by the way, there are a few others whose work and labor is exactly like mine … submit to them too. They need to be publicly acknowledged as leadership.” (verse 18)
Paul's salutation and those of his colleagues.
“The churches of Asia greet you” We have no way of knowing if Paul had heard from each church in Asia and that they specifically had said, “By the way … when you talk to the Corinthians, send them our greeting.” Likely not. It probably is more of an 'accurate sentiment' that Paul detects. In other words, there is an 'inter-church' love that he senses.
But when he says in verse 19 'Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.', he is being specific. Paul is presently in Ephesus and, as in every city, the church met in various homes. Aquila and Priscilla were leaders of just one of the home-groups in Ephesus. You can read more about these two in the book of Acts.5
All the brethren greet you. Now Paul includes people from all of the Ephesus house-churches. What a blessing it would have been to have lived in Ephesus back then. Imagine living there and knowing that the Apostle Paul was also living there and knowing that as he 'made the rounds', he would visit with you in your own house-church!
Greet one another with a holy kiss. When I was a teen-ager I secretly wondered what it would be like if we were to adopt a practice like this. In portugal and other similar places it is customary to greet a person with a kiss on the cheek, and then the person turns the other cheek for a second kiss.
I am not sure that Paul is merely emphasizing a custom. He is emphasizing warmth, closeness, acceptance, forgiveness and the many other aspects of true 'brotherhood'.
Paul signs this letter. (verse 21) He never wrote his own letters. In this case we believe it was Sosthenes who we talked about in the opening chapter of this book. Paul had a vision problem, but he always signed his letters personally, even though he did not write them himself. Because of his vision handicap he wrote with very large letters. Here is how he ended his letter the the Galatians: ¶ See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand.
I am certain that Paul would have liked to have had better vision. In those day glasses had not been invented, let alone laser surgery. What about divine healing? Yes, Paul that that was an option, so he prayed about it. Three times he prayed about this 'infirmity in his flesh'6 But God decided not to heal Paul. God even gave Paul the reason that He was not healing him. When we pray for healing, do we take into account that what God thinks is best for us … is really best, or that God has for us a specific plan that is unique to our particular situations?
Paul appreciates the fact that he was so loved by the Galatian Christians that they would have done this: “I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Ga 4:15
But Paul accepted God's answer; And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made complete in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.2Co 12:9
God can do so much more through using a person who is weak. We then can know for certain that it was God. God does not want to use you for your many strengths and talents. No, He wants you to recognize that you are weak. Then He wants to use the gift that HE placed within you. May we also come to the place that we can appreciate our weaknesses and know that whatever it is that God does through us … is all God!
Paul ends his letter with a curse and blessing.
1Co 16:22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
What should our attitude be toward unbelievers? Paul wanted them to accept Christ and so should we. But what if they don't? We have to learn say with Paul, Let them be accursed! Rejecting God, rejecting Jesus is not a little thing. It is the most evil, unpardonable thing that a person can do. While we are trying to love the lost and do whatever we can to show them the love of God, may we have wisdom to know when it is time to talk to them about judgment and hell. 1Co 16:22
O Lord, come! These words should be on our hearts too. As we think these words or express them … we are deciding between two thoughts … “Wait a little longer please Jesus, there are still so many out in sin!” and the other thought, “"He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still."Re 22:11
We say with apostle John … Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Re 22:20
His closing words … The grace (favor) of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
And with that he concludes a letter that that was strong in correction. But this book was more than that.
Paul said this to Timothy about the use of all scripture. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”, 2Timothy 3:16 . We have seen teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in this book. I trust we will go over it again and again and allow God to do this in our own lives.
And we conclude with Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
1 ¶ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and in teaching.
1Timothy 5:17
2 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. 2Co 11:8,9
You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. Ac 20:34
3Ac 11:28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
4 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;Acts 2:44
5 Acts 18:2-26
6 II Corinthians 12:7-10