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Paul concludes the letter by addressing a few related concerns. One of the major goals of his mission was to provide a substantial gift from the Gentile churches he founded to the poor Christians in Jerusalem, as an expression of their unity.[1] Clearly he has already spoken with the Corinthians about the collection, and he encourages them to save up for it, setting aside their excess money each Sunday. As part of their participation Paul offers to have one of the Corinthians travel with them to deliver the gift. He really wants to see them engaged.
Paul then tells of his travel plans. He firmly plans to come visit them soon, and stay for a while. However, he has very fruitful work in Ephesus which he does not want to cut short. In the meantime, he is sending Timothy to them. Clearly they would rather have Apollos, but Apollos isn't willing to go visit them at that time, so he commends Timothy to the Corinthians and encourage them to take care of him while he is with them.
The letter concludes with one last batch of encouragement and some exchanges of greetings. Above all, Paul wants to see them stay loyal to Jesus and persevere in loving one another. He appreciates the loyalty he personally has seen in Stephanas and is household. Whatever they did for Paul demonstrated the kind of love that he desired to see emulated by all in Corinth. Additionally he wants to see the church in Corinth do all they can to help them in their mission. Paul also passes along greetings from some Christians in Ephesus where he is staying drawing his broader network of churches into further unity, unity he wants to see within the Corinthian church as well, hence his encouragement to greet each other with a kiss.[2]
Finally, Paul concludes by drawing the one division that matters in his mind. Are the Corinthians for Jesus or against them?[3] He calls on Jesus to return, so that he can judge the world. In the meantime, Paul wishes the Corinthians the grace and love of Jesus, which they will need to persevere in love for him and for each other,
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[1] Thiselton also discusses charity and eschatology as other reasons behind the collection.
[2] So Ciampa and Rosner.
[3] Thiselton captures the emphasis on decision very helpfully.
Paul concludes the letter by addressing a few related concerns. One of the major goals of his mission was to provide a substantial gift from the Gentile churches he founded to the poor Christians in Jerusalem, as an expression of their unity.[1] Clearly he has already spoken with the Corinthians about the collection, and he encourages them to save up for it, setting aside their excess money each Sunday. As part of their participation Paul offers to have one of the Corinthians travel with them to deliver the gift. He really wants to see them engaged.
Paul then tells of his travel plans. He firmly plans to come visit them soon, and stay for a while. However, he has very fruitful work in Ephesus which he does not want to cut short. In the meantime, he is sending Timothy to them. Clearly they would rather have Apollos, but Apollos isn't willing to go visit them at that time, so he commends Timothy to the Corinthians and encourage them to take care of him while he is with them.
The letter concludes with one last batch of encouragement and some exchanges of greetings. Above all, Paul wants to see them stay loyal to Jesus and persevere in loving one another. He appreciates the loyalty he personally has seen in Stephanas and is household. Whatever they did for Paul demonstrated the kind of love that he desired to see emulated by all in Corinth. Additionally he wants to see the church in Corinth do all they can to help them in their mission. Paul also passes along greetings from some Christians in Ephesus where he is staying drawing his broader network of churches into further unity, unity he wants to see within the Corinthian church as well, hence his encouragement to greet each other with a kiss.[2]
Finally, Paul concludes by drawing the one division that matters in his mind. Are the Corinthians for Jesus or against them?[3] He calls on Jesus to return, so that he can judge the world. In the meantime, Paul wishes the Corinthians the grace and love of Jesus, which they will need to persevere in love for him and for each other,
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[1] Thiselton also discusses charity and eschatology as other reasons behind the collection.
[2] So Ciampa and Rosner.
[3] Thiselton captures the emphasis on decision very helpfully.
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