1 Corinthians Week 41

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 16:15-16 

¹⁵ You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, ¹⁶ to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. 

Paul had good memories of those who trusted Jesus early in his ministry in Greece. They had not only trusted in Jesus as Savior but spent their lives in service to God’s people. Paul wanted the Corinthians to submit to those who were serving with such devotion. 

REFLECT 

Have you watched others who are fervently serving the Lord and desire to model your life after them? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend in reading Philippians 3:17. Talk about more mature believers you might pattern your life after. 

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 16:17-18 

¹⁷ I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. ¹⁸ They 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 had mentioned Stephanas before, but there are no other references to Fortunatus and Achaicus in the New Testament. These last two might be unknown to today’s readers, but Paul knew them as wonderful encouragers. He wanted the Corinthians to be appreciative of them.  

REFLECT 

Do you know of some who are outstanding in encouraging others? The world may not know about them, but you can express your appreciation for them. 

RESPOND 

Talk with a friend about Christians who are an example to you. Thank them for the spiritual ministry they have and make it your desire to be like them. 

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 16:19-20 

¹⁹ 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. ²⁰ All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss. 

Paul sent greetings from the churches in what is now known as Asia Minor. He added in his greetings to them from Aquila and Priscilla. Paul also included greetings from those who met in their home. He commanded the Corinthians to greet each other with a holy, or sacred, kiss.  

REFLECT 

Are you encouraged when you learn that greetings are being sent to you from other believers?  

RESPOND 

Talk with a believer about what the common manner is for your church group to greet each other. Judas had betrayed Jesus with a kiss. His was certainly not one of affection. Perhaps that is why Paul clarified what kind of kiss it should be. 

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 16:21 

²¹ HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. 

It was common for Paul to dictate a letter to a coworker. Here he took the pen in hand and wrote in large letters his name in his own handwriting that would identify him as the author of it. It had been known that others sometimes had written and claimed to be Paul. This would assure his readers of his genuine authorship. 

REFLECT 

Think of your own family recognizing your handwriting and knowing the letter is from you.  

RESPOND 

Look at some examples where Paul was aware others might write in his name. See 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, and especially notice verse 2. See also Galatians 1:8-9 where he warned them that if they had seen anything from him or even an angel that was a different gospel, that person should be cursed. See also Galatians 6:11 where he signed with large letters. 

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

1 Corinthians 16:22-24 

²² If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come! ²³ May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. ²⁴ My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. 

Paul closed his letter to the Corinthians with the somber warning that anyone who does not love the Lord is cursed. “Our Lord, come!” is from the Aramaic word Maranatha. He ended his letter with a reference to grace and love. As an unsaved Pharisee he marveled at the grace of God when he came to Christ in faith. He wanted the Corinthians to express love, and now he expressed his love to all of the believers.  

REFLECT 

Do you also reflect on the grace of God for your salvation? Do you express your love to other believers? 

RESPOND 

Talk with a believer about a strong Scripture passage about grace. See Ephesians 2:8-9. For the emphasis on love you could reread 1 Corinthians 13. Be thankful for what God has done in your life. Think also how you can express your love to other believers.