Scripture
The Collection for Jerusalem
1Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.
Paul’s Final Instructions
5I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia,[1] for I am planning to travel through Macedonia. 6Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination. 7This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me. 8In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost. 9There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.
10When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.[2]
12Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.
13Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous.[3] Be strong. 14And do everything with love.
15You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece,[4] and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters,[5] 16to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. 17I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. 18They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.
Paul’s Final Greetings
19The churches here in the province of Asia[6] send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla[7] and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. 20All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss.
21Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul.
22If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come![8]
23May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.[9]
Translation notes (9)
- 16:5 Macedonia was in the northern region of Greece.
- 16:11 Greek with the brothers; also in 16:12.
- 16:13 Greek Be men.
- 16:15a Greek in Achaia, the southern region of the Greek peninsula.
- 16:15b Greek brothers; also in 16:20.
- 16:19a Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey.
- 16:19b Greek Prisca.
- 16:22 From Aramaic, Marana tha. Some manuscripts read Maran atha, “Our Lord has come.”
- 16:24 Some manuscripts add Amen.
The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. 1 Corinthians 16:19
There is a reason why churches have a specific time set aside for worship. When followers of Jesus come together to worship God, they are a force. They are strong and united. Scripture says it this way, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 19:20, NIV). As we think about having strong relationships, particularly strong marriages, one of the most important things we can do, particularly in a marriage relationship, is worship God together.
The couple we are focusing on in Scripture this week is Aquila and Priscilla. This couple learned about Christ, became acquainted with the apostle Paul, and started making Christ known. They also worshiped God together. 1 Corinthians 16:9 teaches us that Aquila and Priscilla were among those who gathered in their home with a group of people to worship as a church. In other words, they made worshiping God together a priority.
Gathering together to worship God is vital for His people. It is vital for husbands and wives if they want to have a strong, God-honoring marriage. As they worship, they are reminded of what is most important. Their values are realigned. They remember how God has provided and taken care of them in the past, which is a promise that He will continue to care and provide for them in the future. It also gives God glory for the blessings He has provided for them.
My friend, we worship because God deserves all worship and praise for as long as we have breath. The fascinating thing that happens when we worship God is that we are changed. We grow stronger and even more confident in our faith in Him. When we worship with other people, especially our spouses, we collectively come together to honor God and thank Him for everything that He has done.
What does living a lifestyle of worship to God look like for you? If you are married, do you and your spouse make a habit of worshiping God together? He has been so good and faithful to us. How can we not worship Him in response?
Moving Toward Action
Make a commitment to worship God today. If you are married, make this commitment with your spouse. Sing praise songs. Go on a walk and listen to your favorite worship song. Choose to worshipfully give to your local food bank or a cause that matters to you and makes a difference. Whatever way you choose, worship Him today.
Going Deeper
Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 (NLT)
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