Berean Study Bible The Collection for the SaintsPaul refers to a financial offering for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, who had suffered severe hardship from famine, persecution, and economic loss. The collection expressed the shared responsibility of Gentile churches toward their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ and demonstrated the unity of the churches across regional and cultural boundaries. Rom 15:25-27 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem… you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: Corinth was to follow the same orderly plan Paul had given the churches in Galatia. By establishing a common practice for the offering, Paul promoted faithful administration and ensured that the relief would be ready when he or approved representatives arrived to carry it to Jerusalem. 1Co 7:17 Regardless, each one should lead the life… On the first day of every week, Believers marked Sunday as the day of Christ’s resurrection and commonly gathered for worship and fellowship. Regular giving was to be part of that weekly pattern. Act 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together… each of you should set aside a portion of his income, Every Christian was to participate according to what God had provided, making support for needy believers a shared responsibility rather than the burden of a few. 2Co 8:12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable… saving it up, Giving was to be planned and prepared in advance, not dependent on a sudden appeal or emotional response. Gen 41:35 Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect… so that when I come no collections will be needed. Paul wanted the gift for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem ready for delivery, avoiding hurried collections and ensuring an orderly, united response to their need. 2Co 9:3-5 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting… Then, on my arrival, Paul planned to come to Corinth and personally oversee the final arrangements for the offering. His presence would provide accountability and strengthen the church’s confidence in the process. 2Co 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you… I will send letters Paul intended to provide written authorization for the representatives carrying the collection, confirming their purpose and commending them to the believers who received them, ensuring transparency and integrity. 2Co 3:1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again?… with those you recommend The Corinthians would select reliable men from among their own congregation. Their involvement ensured that the offering was entrusted to people the church knew and trusted. 2Co 8:19-21 More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches… to carry your gift The gift was the financial collection gathered for needy Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. It expressed the practical unity of Gentile and Jewish believers in Christ. Rom 15:25-27 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem… to Jerusalem. Jerusalem remained the home of the mother church and many believers facing hardship. Delivering the offering there would meet genuine needs and demonstrate the shared fellowship of the churches. Act 21:17-19 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers… And if it is advisable for me to go also, Paul was prepared to accompany the delegates if the size or circumstances of the Jerusalem relief offering required his presence. The decision would be made carefully by the Corinthian church, ensuring that the gift was delivered responsibly. 2Co 1:15-16 Confident of this, I planned to visit you first,… they can travel with me. The appointed representatives could accompany Paul to Jerusalem, providing witnesses to the handling and delivery of the collection. Their participation preserved accountability and demonstrated the united concern of the Gentile churches for the believers in Jerusalem. 2Co 8:19 More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches…
Paul’s Travel PlansPaul planned to travel through the Roman province that included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, where churches had been established during his earlier ministry. He intended to strengthen these believers and receive their aid for the collection being gathered for needy Christians in Jerusalem. 2Co 1:15-16 Confident of this, I planned to visit you first,… however, I will come to you; Corinth remained an important concern for Paul because of the church’s divisions, moral failures, and disorder in worship. A personal visit would allow him to give further instruction, correct sin, and confirm the believers in the truth he had taught them. 2Co 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you… for I will be going through Macedonia. Paul restates the route because his arrival in Corinth would follow his ministry among the Macedonian churches. His travel plans show his continuing oversight of congregations across several regions and his commitment to their spiritual health. Act 20:3 where he stayed three months and when the Jews formed a plot… Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, Paul hoped to visit Corinth after completing his present work, not merely passing through but giving the church needed personal attention. Rom 15:24 I hope to see you on my way to Spain… or even spend the winter, Travel by sea was often suspended during winter because of dangerous weather, so a longer stay would provide time for instruction, counsel, and restored fellowship. Tit 3:12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you,… so that you can help me on my journey, The Corinthians could assist Paul with provisions and practical support as he continued his missionary work. 3Jn 1:6 They have testified to the church about your love… wherever I go. His plans remained subject to the Lord’s direction and to the needs of the churches. Jas 4:15 If the Lord is willing, we will live and do… For I do not want to see you now only in passing; Paul did not want a hurried visit that would allow little opportunity to address the Corinthians’ divisions, disorder in worship, moral failures, and questions about Christian conduct. His concern was to strengthen the church through personal instruction and correction. Rom 15:24 I hope to see you on my way to Spain… I hope to spend some time with you, Paul intended to remain long enough to provide the teaching and oversight the congregation needed. Having helped establish the church during his earlier stay in Corinth, he desired to build on that work and help the believers mature in faith and obedience. Php 1:25-26 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain… if the Lord permits. Paul made his travel plans under God’s authority, recognizing that the Lord directs the movements and ministry of His servants. His intended visit depended not merely on circumstances but on God’s will. Heb 6:3 And this we will do, if God permits. But I will stay in Ephesus Ephesus was a leading city of Roman Asia, influential in trade, religion, and public life. Its Temple of Artemis drew worshipers from across the region. Paul remained there because the city provided a strategic center for the spread of the gospel and the strengthening of the church, though his ministry also stirred fierce opposition from those devoted to idol worship. Act 19:8-10 Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly… until Pentecost, Pentecost came fifty days after Passover and brought many Jewish pilgrims together for the Feast of Weeks. Paul arranged his travel with such occasions in view, recognizing their importance for ministry among Jews and Gentiles. Act 20:16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time… because a great door for effective work has opened to me, Paul remained in Ephesus because God had provided an exceptional opportunity for the Gospel to advance. The city’s influence, commerce, and devotion to Artemis made it a strategic place for ministry. As the message spread, many turned from idolatry, and the church grew despite the city’s strong pagan culture. 2Co 2:12 Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ… even though many oppose me. The advance of the Gospel provoked resistance from Jews, idol makers, and others whose beliefs and livelihoods were threatened. The unrest surrounding the worship of Artemis showed how deeply the message of Christ challenged Ephesus. Opposition did not close the door God had opened, but marked the seriousness of the conflict. Act 13:50 The Jews, however, incited the religious women…
Timothy and ApollosTimothy was Paul’s trusted coworker and spiritual son, sent on important assignments among the churches. His possible arrival in Corinth likely occurred during Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus, when Timothy was traveling through Macedonia toward Corinth. 1Co 4:17 That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved… see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, Timothy was younger than many believers and may have faced resistance in a church troubled by divisions, immorality, and challenges to apostolic authority. The Corinthians were to receive him peacefully and give him freedom to carry out his assignment. 2Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power… for he is doing the work of the Lord, Timothy served Christ by strengthening churches, teaching sound doctrine, and representing Paul’s apostolic ministry. His work was not a private mission but part of the Lord’s ongoing care for His churches. 1Th 3:2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker… just as I am. Paul placed Timothy’s ministry alongside his own, confirming that Timothy deserved the same respect and support given to Paul as a servant of Christ. Gal 4:12 I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you.… No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Timothy’s youth could have led some Corinthians to discount him, but he served as Paul’s trusted representative and fellow worker in the gospel. His authority rested on his faithfulness to Christ and the apostolic mission entrusted to him. 1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example… Send him on his way in peace The church was to receive Timothy without opposition and provide for his departure in a manner fitting for a servant of Christ. Such support helped sustain the traveling ministry through which the churches were strengthened. Act 15:33 After spending some time there, they were sent off… so that he can return to me, Paul expected Timothy to complete his assignment in Corinth and rejoin him. Their relationship reflected the close partnership between Paul and the younger man he had helped train for ministry. 2Ti 4:9 Make every effort to come to me quickly, for I am expecting him along with the brothers. Timothy was to return with other believers involved in Paul’s work. Their anticipated arrival shows that the churches and their leaders remained connected through shared service, communication, and mutual care. Heb 13:23 Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released… Now about our brother Apollos: Apollos, a Jewish believer from Alexandria, was an eloquent teacher well versed in the Scriptures. He had ministered effectively in Corinth, publicly demonstrating that Jesus is the Messiah. Paul’s reference to him as a brother reflects the shared faith and fellowship that united believers from different backgrounds. Act 18:24-28 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria,… I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. Paul desired Apollos to return to Corinth with other Christian workers, recognizing that the church could benefit from their ministry. The apostles and teachers served cooperatively, though each carried out his work according to God’s direction. 2Co 12:18 I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him.… He was not at all inclined to go now, Apollos did not believe it was the proper time to visit Corinth. Paul did not treat him as a subordinate but respected his judgment and calling. Jhn 7:6-8 Therefore Jesus told them, “Although your time… but he will go when he has the opportunity. Apollos intended to visit when circumstances permitted, showing continued concern for the Corinthian believers and confidence that the timing of ministry was in God’s hands. 1Co 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing,…
Concluding ExhortationsCorinth’s pagan culture, moral corruption, and competing religious ideas placed constant pressure on the church. Believers needed discernment to recognize false teaching, resist temptation, and guard the gospel entrusted to them. Mrk 13:37 And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!” Stand firm in the faith. The church had been troubled by divisions, immorality, and confusion over essential doctrine. They were to remain established in the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection rather than being moved by popular opinion or internal conflict. 1Pe 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in your faith… Be men of courage. All believers were called to mature, courageous conduct. Faithfulness to Christ required resolve when obedience brought opposition, ridicule, or personal cost. Jos 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous?… Be strong. Their strength was not found in human confidence but in dependence on the Lord. God supplies the endurance needed to remain faithful through trials and to serve His people with steadfastness. Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Do everything Paul calls the Corinthian believers to let this command govern every part of church life and personal conduct. Their divisions, disputes, pride, and failures in holiness could not be separated from their responsibility to obey Christ. 1Co 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do… in love. Love was to shape their words, decisions, correction, service, and relationships. Rather than seeking personal advantage or recognition, they were to pursue the good of others and reflect the sacrificial love Christ had shown them. Jhn 13:34 A new commandment I give you: Love one another.… You know that Stephanas and his household Stephanas and his household were among the first believers connected with Paul’s early ministry in Corinth. Having embraced the faith, they became a steadfast part of the church. Act 18:8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, believed in the Lord.… were the first converts in Achaia, They were among the first converts in Achaia, the Roman province centered on Corinth. Their conversion marked the beginning of Christian witness in a region dominated by pagan worship. Act 17:34 But some joined him and believed, including Damaris… and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. They willingly gave themselves to meeting the needs of fellow believers, likely through hospitality, practical help, and faithful care for the church. 2Co 8:4 they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege… Now I urge you, brothers, Paul prepares the Corinthians to recognize and cooperate with believers whose lives were marked by such sacrificial service. 1Co 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord… to submit to such as these, Paul commends the household of Stephanas, among the first converts in Achaia, for their devoted service to fellow believers. Their proven faithfulness gave them a rightful place of influence in the church. Believers were to cooperate willingly with leaders whose lives showed humble service, spiritual maturity, and commitment to the work of Christ. Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over… and to every fellow worker and laborer. Honor was also due to all who shared in the demanding work of ministry. The early churches depended on believers who taught, served, traveled, gave support, and cared for the needs of the saints. Such labor was not a pursuit of status but a shared service for the strengthening of the church and the spread of the Gospel. Phm 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother… I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, Paul rejoiced in the visit of these Corinthian believers, who likely carried news from the church and may have delivered its letter to him. Stephanas, one of the first converts in Achaia, had already shown faithful service among the believers. Fortunatus and Achaicus are otherwise unknown, but their presence with Stephanas identifies them as trusted representatives of the congregation. 2Co 7:6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us… because they have supplied what was lacking from you. Their visit provided the personal fellowship, encouragement, and practical help that the distant Corinthian church itself could not give Paul. They served as a welcome link between the apostle and the believers he had helped establish. Php 2:30 because he nearly died for the work of Christ,… For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus had brought Paul encouragement from Corinth and had also strengthened the church through their faithful service. Their visit relieved Paul’s concern for the believers and renewed his spirit. Their ministry demonstrated the sustaining value of faithful Christian fellowship in a church facing division, moral pressure, and spiritual weakness. 2Co 7:13 On account of this, we are encouraged… Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men. The Corinthians were to recognize and respect men whose service benefited the whole church. Their labor was not self-seeking but directed toward the needs of God’s people, and honoring such servants affirmed the importance of faithful leadership and mutual care within the congregation. Php 2:29-30 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men…
Signature and Final GreetingsAsia was the Roman province in western Asia Minor, including important centers such as Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus had helped establish and strengthen congregations throughout the region. Their collective greeting shows the fellowship shared among churches separated by distance but united in Christ. Rev 1:4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia:… Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, Aquila and Prisca, also called Priscilla, were Jewish believers and trusted coworkers of Paul. Having previously lived in Rome and Corinth, they were now in Ephesus, where they assisted in gospel ministry and helped instruct Apollos more accurately in the way of God. Their greeting reflects their enduring concern for the Corinthian believers. Rom 16:3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, and so does the church that meets at their house. Their home provided a regular gathering place for Christians in Ephesus. Before dedicated church buildings existed, believers commonly met in homes for worship, teaching, prayer, and fellowship. Aquila and Prisca used their household and resources to serve the church and support its growth. Rom 16:5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.… All the brothers here send you greetings. The believers in Corinth joined Paul in expressing their affection for the church. Their greeting shows that local congregations recognized a shared identity in Christ despite distance and differing circumstances. 2Co 13:13 All the saints send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. This customary greeting expressed sincere affection, peace, and unity among believers. Its holiness distinguished it from ordinary social greetings and reflected the reconciled fellowship Christians were to maintain within the church. Rom 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches… This greeting Paul adds a personal closing to a letter otherwise written by a secretary, following the common practice of dictating correspondence. His own handwriting gave the Corinthian believers visible assurance that the letter truly came from him. Col 4:18 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains.… is in my own hand— The handwritten greeting helped guard the church against forged letters and false claims of apostolic authority. It also showed Paul’s continuing personal concern for a congregation he had founded and served through many difficulties. 2Th 3:17 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark… Paul. His name functions as a signature, confirming his identity and apostolic authority. Though absent from them, he remained responsible for their instruction, correction, and spiritual welfare. 2Co 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,… If anyone does not love the Lord, Love for Christ marks genuine allegiance to Him. In a church troubled by division, immorality, and misplaced loyalties, Paul brings every issue back to devotion to the Lord Jesus. Such love is shown in faith, obedience, and perseverance. Jhn 14:21 Whoever has My commandments and keeps them…… let him be under a curse. Deliberate rejection of Christ places a person under God’s judgment. “Curse” translates the Greek anathema, meaning something devoted to destruction. Paul’s severe warning also guards the church against false teaching and any message that turns believers away from the true gospel. Gal 1:8-9 But even if we or an angel from heaven… Come, O Lord! “Maranatha” preserves an Aramaic expression used among the earliest Christians. It voices the church’s expectation that the risen Christ will return in glory, bringing final judgment and the full redemption of His people. Rev 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes.”… The grace of the Lord Jesus Paul closes with the unmerited favor secured by Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection. Grace is the foundation of salvation and the continuing provision by which believers are strengthened to live faithfully for God. Rev 22:21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. be with you. The Corinthian church needed Christ’s sustaining grace amid division, moral failure, and pressure from its surrounding culture. Paul’s closing blessing directs them to the Lord whose presence and power could preserve them in faith and restore unity. 1Th 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love Paul closes with personal affection for the Corinthian believers, despite the sins, divisions, and corrections addressed throughout the letter. His care reflects the love Christ produces in those who belong to Him. 2Co 2:4 For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress… be with all of you The blessing extends to the whole church, calling them to live as one body rather than according to factions, status, or personal loyalties. 2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God… in Christ Jesus. Their fellowship, identity, and restoration rest in their shared union with Christ, not in human leaders or achievements. Php 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,… Amen. Paul seals the blessing with a solemn “Amen,” meaning “so be it,” affirming its truth. Jud 1:25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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