This Sunday we’ll be wrapping up our study through the book of 1 Corinthians – we’ll be reading all of chapter 16, where Paul closes his letter.
We’ll be focusing on his final instructions in v1-4, where he talks to the Corinthians about gathering funds to support the believers in Jerusalem. Part of Paul’s missionary journey through Asia Minor was meant to raise funds for the poor in Jerusalem. We aren’t totally sure why, but it’s likely that the famine mentioned in Acts 11 played a role in that need.
In the process of giving his instructions, Paul actually provides some important principles for us, as modern readers, when it comes to how we approach financial gifts within the church community. What stands out, if anything, about Paul’s instructions? Does Paul want money to be raised while he’s with them? Why do you think he gives this instruction? How might we learn about generosity from this section?
The rest of the chapter will be dealing with specific greetings and Paul’s closing remarks, which we’ll look at on Sunday.
If you stuck with us through this study, I hope you got something out of it; I know I did. Did anything come to light for you during our reading of this letter? What parts did you find most challenging, and which parts gave you comfort? I’d be interested in knowing, if you have time to put it in the comments.
Hope you can join us this Sunday as we conclude our look at the Hot Mess Church of Corinth!
Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.