1.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Verse 1
The collection. There are various allusions to this contribution collected before Paul's last journey to Jerusalem, in the history and in the writings of Paul. See 2 Corinthians 9:1, 2 Corinthians 9:2.Acts 24:17. It is interesting to observe that, when it was arranged, at Jerusalem, that Paul should devote his labors to the Gentile world, Peter charged him to remember the poor at Jerusalem. (Galatians 2:10.) This charge Paul seems not to have forgotten.
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.
Verse 2
No gatherings; no collections.
3.
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
4.
And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
Verse 4
If it be meet; if it be desirable.
5.
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
Verse 5
Macedonia. Macedonia was north of the Egean Sea. Paul had intended to have visited Achaia first, and then to have passed on to Macedonia. (2 Corinthians 1:15,2 Corinthians 1:16.) But he afterwards concluded to visit Macedonia first. It will be seen by the map that neither province was on the direct route to the other.
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.
8.
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
Verse 8
I will tarry at Ephesus, &c. This design appears to have been frustrated by the disturbances created by Demetrius and his fellow-craftsmen. The expression, however, indicates strongly that Paul was at Ephesus when he wrote the Epistle.
9.
For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are 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.
Verse 10
Timotheus; 1 Corinthians 4:17,1 Corinthians 4:18.
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.
Verse 11
Despise him; on account of his youth. (1 Timothy 4:12.)
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.
13.
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Verse 13
Quit you like men; act like men.
14.
Let all your things be done with charity.
15.
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
Verse 15
Stephanas is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:16.
16.
That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
17.
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
Verse 17
Of the coming, &c. These individuals appear to have been the bearers of the letter to Paul, heretofore often referred to.
18.
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
19.
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Verse 19
Asia; a particular province of Asia Minor, so called. (1 Peter 1:1.) Ephesus was its metropolis.--Aquila and Priscilla; Acts 18:2,Acts 18:3.
20.
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
21.
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
Verse 21
Paul's Epistles were generally written by means of an amanuensis. Writing, in those days, was much more laborious than now, and was frequently performed through the intervention of one professionally skilled in the manual operation.
22.
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Verse 22
Anathema, Maran-atha. The former is a word of Greek, and the latter one of Hebrew origin. The literal meaning is, Let him be accursed, The Lord is coming.
The first epistle, &c. This statement, like the others similar to it, appended to some of the other Epistles, is universally admitted to have been added without authority, in later times. In this instance, it is obviously incorrect, being inconsistent with allusions contained in the Epistle itself.
23.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24.
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.