1 Corinthians 16
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
This is about the tithes and offerings.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Paul wants them to gather the offerings before he comes. Paul's focus isn't on the tithing, but The Word. He's coming only to them to teach.
3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
Those of their choosing, Paul will take to Jerusalem.
4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
Paul is coming back to Corinth and will be staying there through the winter.
7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
He isn't going to the Corinthians right now, but will after he makes a few stops.
8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Paul has a mission and evil people are on his heels, with every step he takes.
10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Timothy brings The Word of Truth and is making sure things are being done correctly within the church. Paul wants them to welcome him and protect him from the evil that is attempting to stop The Truth from being told. Nothing new under the sun today.
11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Although Paul and Apollos taught The Truth of God, these Corinthians way of understanding was to divide. Apollos just wasn't going to deal with their divisions in the church. The fighting had to stop before he would come.
13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
So watch what you're doing and be strong in The Truth, stop acting like the worldly and be a True Christian.
14 Let all your things be done with charity.
It should always be for the love of others, not for show.
15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
Stephanas was an addict when it came to the ministering of the saints. Paul's saying, if you want to be addicted to something, be like Stephanas. The Truth does that. Once you get a taste of it and you like it, you hunger for more.
16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus had came from Corinth bringing with them the letters from the churches of Corinth. They stayed with Paul for awhile giving him some much needed friendship.
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Priscilla Πρίσκιλλα Prískilla, pris'-cil-lah; diminutive of G4251; Priscilla (i.e. little Prisca), a Christian woman:—Priscilla. Priscilla, Aquila's wife taught The Word of God with her husband in their own house. A home church †
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
This is saying, if you hate Christ, then you'll be accursed when The Lord arrives. "Anathema" ἀνάθεμα anáthema, an-ath'-em-ah; from G394; a (religious) ban or (concretely) excommunicated (thing or person):—accused, anathema, curse, × great. "Maranatha" †μαρὰν ἀθά maràn athá, mar'-an ath'-ah; of Chaldee origin (meaning our Lord has come); maranatha, i.e. an exclamation of the approaching divine judgment:—Maran-atha.So do what The Lord would have you do. Study and be ready †
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.