Slices
Prepare
‘The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you’ (16:23). Use this phrase to reflect on God’s work in your life.
Bible passage
The collection for the Lord’s people
16 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
Personal requests
5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you – for I will be going through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
10 When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. 11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.
12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labours at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
Final greetings
19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Explore
Having traversed the soaring heights of the coming of Christ and final resurrection, Paul now talks money! He transitions to practicalities: gathering up a collection; organising future visits. John Wesley, when asked what he would do if this was his last day on earth, supposedly read out his appointments’ diary. Paul likewise sees no conflict between high theology and the day- to- day. It’s not unspiritual hassle; it’s how Christian people do life.
There are needs to be met demanding planning not just prayer! Our finances require planning with measures put in place to ensure their proper handling (vs 2–4). But money isn’t Paul’s priority. He’s a people person with a heart for the needy in Jerusalem (v 3) and for his troublesome friends in Corinth. He’s not interested in ticking a box through a fleeting visit. He wants to give them quality time (v 7). He’s protective of Timothy (v 11) and, although there’s tension in the relationship with Apollos, he’s still ‘our brother’ (v 12). Relationships are vital. And it’s not all one way. The phrase ‘they refreshed my spirit’ (v 18) reveals Paul’s needs. He is passionate for people, but even more for Jesus. The startling condemnation on those who do not ‘love the Lord’ (v 22) says a great deal about his feelings when Jesus is not honoured as Lord.
Respond
What can you learn from Paul’s practical theology? Whose spirit could you refresh today?
Shortly after writing these notes, Andy went to be with his Saviour in heaven.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ecclesiastes 1–3; 2 Thessalonians 2
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the editors of Scripture Union’s Bible reading guides, Sally Nash (Daily Bread) and Sally Nelson (Encounter with God), and for all the writers working on daily comments as they seek to help the readers explore the Bible.
