Paul’s plan to visit Corinth: (16:5-12):
Initially the Apostle planned to travel to Macedonia to encourage various churches in Macedonia and spend winter at Corinth, and then go to Jerusalem with the collection. From November to February the winter time was a very difficult period to travel by sea, so he thought that it would be convenient for him to stay at Corinth and be with his friends. Corinthian church was facing many problems so that he could help them.(1 Cor. 11:34). This plan could not succeed.
Then he thought of visiting Corinth, then go through Macedonia, passing through Corinth a second time on his way to Jerusalem (2 Cor.1:15-16). Instead of one long visit, he planned two shorter visits. But again this plan did not materialize. He had to make a quick and painful visit to Corinth. Then he returned to Ephesus. Later he went to Troas to wait for Titus (who had been sent to Corinth, 2 Cor. 2:12-13; 7:5 ff). Then he visited Macedonia, and then went to Jerusalem. He did not spend as much time at Corinth as he had hoped or as they had expected. Paul was at Ephesus when he wrote this letter.
These things happen when we depend completely upon the Lord Jesus, the Lord will guide us. Paul studied the situation and asked for the will of God. One important note is that seeking God’s will is not just putting our brain in neutral position. Since God has given us the brain, wisdom and understanding, study the situation and put before the Lord and seek His guidance. At times when we don’t solutions for a tricky situation, take the counsel of mature and elderly believers.
Paul sent young timothy ahead of him to Corinth. Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to welcome him because he was doing the Lord’s work. God’s work is not limited by age. Paul wrote 2-beautiful personal letters to Timothy which has become a part of the Bible. Paul dearly loved young Timothy but knew his timidity and fears. Paul encouraged the saints to receive and assist Timothy because the youth was doing God’s work. We should never despise a worker or compare with somebody.
Apollos was an eloquent preacher who had preached in Corinth, was going great evangelistic work in Greece (Acts. 18:24-28; 1 Cor. 3:3ff). Although Apollos had a very fruitful ministry earlier in Corinth , he was unwilling to go to Corinth because of the problems in Corinth church. But Paul gives a very encouraging statement that Apollos will go the Corinth one day. It is a great thing that Paul takes the decisions and send the people to the places even against their will for the sake of Gospel.
Paul’s final exhortation: (16:13-18):
Paul gives all military terms viz. Be on your guard; stand firm; be men of courage; be strong. In view of the problems, susceptibility to false teachers, the exhortation to stand firm in the faith was a timely reminder. To be men of courage and be strong is, marked by maturity. A sort of diligence and commitment is required and everything should be done in love is the final commandment.
- The Lord has commanded us towatch (Matt.24:42).
- Paul warned Christians tostand fast in their liberty in Jesus (Gal. 5:1), in Christian unity (Phil.1:27), in the Lord Himself (Phil. 4:1) and in the teaching of the apostles (2 Thess.2:15).
- Be courageous to act like a man.
- We are to remain (Eph. 6:10and 2 Tim.2:1).
Achaia was the Roman province extending over central and southern Greece of which Corinth was the capital. Those in the household of Stephanas were among the first converts in the region (Acts 17:34). Stephanas took responsibility of the church. Sometimes Paul appointed elders (Acts 14:23) but in this instance members of Stephanas’ household voluntarily took on the responsibility. Paul recognized their position as ordained by God and urged others to submit to them. The three men Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus brought the problems to Paul which the Corinthian church was facing.
These 3-people brought the first letter of Corinthian back to the church and Paul requests the church to receive them as devoted servants of the Lord.
- Paul calls Stephanas the firstfruits of Achaia because they were among the first saved in that region, and were baptized by Paul himself (1 Cor.1:16).
- Stephanaswas the head of the household, and Fortunatus and Achaicus were two of his household slaves, who accompanied him on his journey to see Paul. Fortunatus and Achaicus were common names for slaves or freedmen (former slaves).
- Paul was especially grateful for their coming, because they ministered to Paul’s needs when they visited him. Infact what the Corinthian church should have been doing to Paul, these men did to Paul. They have refreshed Paul’s spirit and provided what was lacking on your part of the Corinthians.
- These 3-people brought confirmation of the bad news ( the different problems the Church was facing) earlier reported by Chloe’s people (1:11). These men were the probable bearers of the letter to which Paul had responded (7:1).