September 3, 2021 – 1 Corinthians 16

It’s interesting, isn’t it, that Paul closes his letter to the Corinthians by writing about money? He intends to make a collection for the saints in Jerusalem, and he directs the Corinthians to put aside a bit on the first day of every week so that when he comes the gift will be ready.

Paul goes on to tell the Corinthians of his hope to spend some time with them and encourages them to welcome Timothy and Apollos. As well, he mentions several others and offers greetings from the churches in Asia. The sense of all this seems clear to me. As believers, we are part of a much larger whole. These relationships are to be watched after and encouraged in love. None of us, individually, or as churches, stands alone but together.

All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.

Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;

Come ye before Him and rejoice. -- William Kethe (1910)