Studies in 1 Corinthians

Plans

1 Cor. 16:5-12

Background • Paul’s plan to visit (5-8)

• Believed this letter written from Ephesus during his 3rd preaching trip – Acts 18-20

Background • Paul’s plan to visit (5-8)

• Believed this letter written from Ephesus during his 3rd preaching trip – Acts 18-20

• In Ephesus for 3 years – Acts 19:10, 20:31

• He plans to visit Corinth

Background •1 Cor. 16:5-9• He intended to come to them

by way of Macedonia (Acts 20:1)

• He hoped to stay for the winter (cf. Acts 20:2)

• His hope, they would send him on his way (Jerusalem)

Background •1 Cor. 16:5-9• WHY the delay?

• “To spare them” (2 Cor. 1:23)

• “A great and effective door has opened” (vs. 9)

Background • His hope to send Timothy 1 Cor. 16:10-11

• Timothy sent to Corinth via Macedonia (Acts 19:20-21, 1 Cor. 4:17)

• Possibly, others (1 Cor. 16:17-18) then arrived from Corinth and reported to Paul.

• Paul recommends Timothy!

Background • Apollos not coming right now 1 Cor. 16:12

• Apollos as at Corinth while Paul came to Ephesus (Acts 18:28-9:1)

• Evidently Apollos left and was now in Ephesus.

• Apollos influential to Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12, 3:4-6)

Observations – Timing!• An important factor as we

work!• Consider priorities • Sometimes we need to “cool

off” before responding•Ephesians 5:15-16• Experience and wisdom

develop timing

IF the Lord Permits• Paul’s contingency – Acts 18:20-21, 1 Cor. 4:19•James 4:15• This keeps our standing

before God in proper perspective – humility, gratitude, etc.

An open door• Used frequently of opportunity

– Acts 17:27-28, 2 Cor. 2:12, Col. 4:2-3

•Revelation 3:7-8• Are we looking for “open

doors”? Are we praying for them?

• Thought: Do we resist open doors for others?

Many adversaries• Paul in Ephesus – Acts 19:8-9, 23-24;

• Satan WILL try and hinder us 1 Thess. 2:18

• So will his followers! Cf. Matt. 10:34-36

• Don’t let them stop us from doing what is right – 2 Cor. 2:11, 1 Pet. 5:8-9

Supporting leaders• The brethren were to accept

Timothy and even assist him.

• Preaching, and the work of elders is not always easy.

• We should NOT contribute to difficulties – Heb. 13:7, 17; 2 Tim. 4:2, etc.

Supporting leaders• Why? He does the work of the

Lord Heb. 3:17, 2 Tim. 4:2

• NOTE: Godly character is a MUST in our leaders, but the point is that our respect is for the message and work, not personalities.

Let us respect EVERY word God has spoken to us!