1 Cor. 16:12. And he will come when it is convenient for him.
At the same time he both defends him and comforts them, who wished to see him, with the hope of his arrival.
1 Cor. 16:13. Be watchful.
Toward the end of the epistle he again persuades; he shows that one must not rely only on teachers, but also attend to oneself. "Be watchful," since there are deceivers. He said this because they were, as it were, sleeping.
1 Cor. 16:13. Stand in the faith.
But not in outward wisdom; for in it one cannot be established, but only go around in circles. He said this because they were wavering.
1 Cor. 16:13. Be courageous, be firm.
Since there are slanderers. He said this because they had become slack in spirit.
1 Cor. 16:14. Let all things among you be done with love.
This is against those who were disturbing and tearing apart the Church. Whether someone teaches, whether someone learns, whether someone rebukes, let everything, he says, be done with love, and through the mediation of love there will be neither pride nor division.
1 Cor. 16:15. I beseech you, brethren.
Here a rearrangement is needed: I beseech you, that ye also submit yourselves unto such; the rest is inserted.
1 Cor. 16:15. You know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia.
You, he says, know, and do not need instruction from me. He calls the household of Stephanas the "firstfruits" of Achaia either because it was the first to believe, or because it also led a beautiful life; for the firstfruits must always have superiority over that of which it is the beginning. By Achaia he means Hellas.
1 Cor. 16:15. And that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.
They determined and devoted themselves to the reception of believing poor and to ministering to them, and not by compulsion from others, but of their own free will.
1 Cor. 16:16. Be respectful also to such people, and to everyone who cooperates and labors.
That is, participate with them both in monetary support and in bodily service. And he did not simply say: assist, but: "be respectful," commanding earnest obedience. And lest they think he is favoring Stephanas alone, he adds: "and to everyone who assists and labors" — in what? In ministry to the saints. For all such persons are worthy of honor; and they in that case will bear their labor more courageously.
1 Cor. 16:17. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus: they have supplied for me your absence.
They reported to Paul the news about the divisions and other failings in Corinth. Perhaps it was through them that the members of Chloe's household informed him (1 Cor. 1:11). Since it was natural that the Corinthians would become embittered against them, he restrains them by saying that they "supplied what was lacking on your part," that is, they came in place of all of you, and for your sake undertook such a journey to me.
1 Cor. 16:18. They refreshed my spirit and yours.
He declares that his peace is their peace. Since they have set me at ease, and my peace is beneficial for you yourselves, then on your part let nothing unpleasant be declared against them.
1 Cor. 16:18. Hold such men in esteem.
That is, honor them.
1 Cor. 16:19. The churches of Asia greet you.