Aquila and Priscilla: (16:19-20): These two were a greatly dedicated husband-and-wife couple who were tent-makers (Acts.18:1-3) in profession were drawn to Paul and his ministry. Paul met them at Corinth. Because Aquila was a Jew, they were expelled from Rome and came to Corinth. They were helping Paul. The couple were mentioned 6-times in NT on different occasions and for four-times Priscilla name comes first which shows she was more dedicated and having leadership qualities. When Paul moved from Corinth to Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla also moved Ephesus and assisted in founding the church. Later Paul left them at Ephesus for his overseas ministry at Antioch and elsewhere.
Aquila and Priscilla stand out as a great example for todays ministry. Although Priscilla was more capable, they had such a great understanding and together they helped the church to grow. They have nurtured even Apollos and guided them to be a better preacher. The Ephesus assembly was meeting in their house and they were very hospitable to believers. Their house was an open home. This couple even risked their own lives to help save Paul at one time (Rom.16:4). They went to Rome and assisted the church (Rom. 16:3), again they came back to Ephesus to help Timothy (2 Tim: 4:19). It is amazing that Priscilla and Aquila moved from Corinth to Ephesus to Rome to Ephesus, just to serve the Lord better. And whenever they moved, they had to move their business as well. People with this kind of dedication and sacrifice are not easy to find, but they are great assets to the local church.
The closing words of Paul: (16:21-24):
Paul says greet each other with a holy. This is a pure expression of Christian love between men with men and women with women, with no sexual overtones. Paul had a helper who wrote down this letter while he dictated. Paul wrote the final words with his own hand-writing and perhaps signed which shows that this is a genuine and not a forgery. “If any one does not love the Lord- a curse be on him. Come, O Lord” is the final hope and expectation from Corinth and believers at large. The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ “Maranatha” is the very best he was looking forward. In this context he says, God’s curse would fall on them who don’t love Him. Those who love Christ are looking forward to that wonderful time of His return. May all of us would be ready to say that Come Lord Jesus, we are ready.
The Corinth church was in great trouble. But Paul lovingly and forcefully confronted their problems and turned their attention towards the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Similarly we see many such problems in most of the present churches and God’s work is hindered by parties, idolatry, sin, egoism, sexual passions adultery etc. The pastor and leaders must tactfully resolve the problems through the Word of God. Let’s thank God that we can learn from Corinth church which had such terrible problems. May the Lord bless us and revive our assemblies and churches.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- NIV Life application Bible.
- ESV Study Bible
- Ryrie study Bible.
- NIV Study Bible.
- Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament.
- The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary.
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- Wycliffe Bible commentary.
- Mathew Henry conscise
- Blue letter Bible by David Guzik.
- Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson.
- The outline Bible by Harold L Willmington.
Note: Please use this notes only as an outline, but spend more time studying the Word of God. For your questions, suggestions, and criticism, please contact me. Kati Ravikumar, Mob: +918986873994, Email: katiravikumar@gmail.com