A Paraphrase on the New Testament, 1 Corinthians · Chapter 16
CHAP. XVI.
1. NOw concerning the collection for the ſaints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even ſo do ye.
1. I come next to your Order for Collections for the poor Chriſtians in the preſent Famine at Jeruſalem: In which I would have you, as moſt convenient, to obſerve this Order, which I gave to the Churches of Galatia.
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.
2. The Lords-day being ſeparated for ſacred Works, of which holy Charity is a great part, let every one willingly lay by, as devoted to God for this Service, according to the proportion of his Increaſe, that I may find it ready, and not ſtay when I come for your Collections.
3. And when I come, whomſoever you ſhall approve by your Letters, them will I ſend to bring your liberality unto Jeruſalem.
3. And then, that you may be ſatisfied of the faithful delivery, you ſhall chuſe the Meſſenger your ſelves.
4. And if it be meet that I go alſo, they ſhall go with me.
4. And if I find cauſe to go my ſelf, your own Truſtees 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. 7. For I will not ſee you now by the way, but I truſt to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
5, 6, 7. Note, That a wiſe Fore-contrivance of our own Courſe of Labour is lawful, but onelyonly with ſubmiſſion to Gods Will.
8, 9. But I will tarry at Epheſus until Pentecoſt. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adverſaries.
8, 9. Hope of great Succeſs, and the oppoſition of many Adverſaries, perſuade me to ſtay at Epheſus.
Note, That great Succeſs of the Goſpel oft conſiſteth with many Adverſaries.
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.
10. See that Timothy, when he cometh, be not diſcouraged by diſtruſt, or abuſe; for he is my faithful Helper in the ſame Work of the Lord, in which I ſerve him.
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.
11. Deſpiſe him not, but give credit to his Meſſage, and reſpectfully conduct him at his return to us.
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.
12. Note, That Paul left him to his choice, and did not ſuſpend or ſilence him for diſobeying an Apoſtle.
13. Watch ye, ſtand faſt in the faith, quit you like men, be ſtrong.
13. Finally, Your Caſe is ſo weighty, and Trial ſo great, as require your conſtant watch, your reſolved ſteadfaſtneſs in the Faith, a Manlike Strength, Endeavour, and Defence.
14. Let all your things be done with charity.
14. The ſum and chiefeſt Rule that I give you, is, Do all that you do in Love, or Endearedneſs to one another; and this will caſt out Selfiſhneſs, Pride, Envy; and Diviſion, and keep you from raſh cenſuring, ſeparating, deſpiſing, or abuſing one another.
15, 16. I beſeech you, brethren (ye know the houſe of Stephanas, that it is the firſt-fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themſelves to the miniſtry of the ſaints) That ye ſubmit your ſelves unto ſuch, and to every one that helpeth with us and laboureth.
15, 16. The Houſe of Stephanas being the firſt converted in Achaia, and addicted to further Chriſtians with their Eſtates and Labour, and he being now my Fellow-labourer, ſubmit your ſelves to him, and to all ſuch.
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.
17, 18. For they have performed ſuch reſpectful Offices as you were wanting in. Therefore let ſuch be reſpected by you.
19. The churches of Aſia ſalute you. Aquila and Priſcilla ſalute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their houſe. 20. All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiſs. 21. The ſalutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
19, 20, 21. The Chriſtians of their Family, (or the Aſſembly that uſed to meet there for Church Communion.)
22. If any man love not the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, let him be Anathema, Maran-atha.
22. Thoſe that love the Lord Jeſus as their Saviour and Hope, will ſtick to him, and confeſs him in Temptation and Sufferings: And if any Man love him not, let him, as accurſed, be delivered to Satan, and cut off from God.
23, 24. The grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt be with you. My love be with you all in Chriſt Jeſus. Amen.
23, 24. The beſt Benediction I can give you, is by praying, That the Grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt may be with you, (for that will render you holy and acceptable to God, and ſave you from Evil, and bring, you to Glory.) I am ſure my Love is with you all: May your Lovelineſs ſo continue it. Amen.