1 Corinthians – Chapter 16

New Testament24 Verses

Chapter Summary

1 Corinthians 16 opens with the words: "Now concerning the collections that are made for the saints: as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye also." The chapter centers on Priscilla, Timothy and Apollo. Across its 24 verses, two threads run through the text: love and charity and faith and trust in God. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Now concerning the collections that are made for the saints: as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye also.

2On the first day of the week, let every one of you put apart with himself, laying up what it shall well please him: that when I come, the collections be not then to be made.

3And when I shall be with you, whomsoever you shall approve by letters, them will I send to carry your grace to Jerusalem.

4And if it be meet that I also go, they shall go with me.

5Now I will come to you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia. For I shall pass through Macedonia.

6And with you perhaps I shall abide, or even spend the winter: that you may bring me on my way whithersoever I shall go.

7For I will not see you now by the way: for I trust that I shall abide with you some time, if the Lord permit.

8But I will tarry at Ephesus, until Pentecost.

9For a great door and evident is opened unto me: and many adversaries.

10Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct ye him on his way in peace, that he may come to me. For I look for him with the brethren.

12And touching our brother Apollo, I give you to understand that I much entreated him to come unto you with the brethren: and indeed it was not his will at all to come at this time. But he will come when he shall have leisure.

13Watch ye: stand fast in the faith: do manfully and be strengthened.

14Let all your things be done in charity.

15And I beseech you, brethren, you know the house of Stephanus, and of Fortunatus, and of Achaicus, that they are the firstfruits of Achaia, and have dedicated themselves to the ministry of the saints:

16That you also be subject to such and to every one that worketh with us and laboureth.

17And I rejoice in the presence of Stephanus and Fortunatus and Achaicus: because that which was wanting on your part, they have supplied.

18For they have refreshed both my spirit and yours. Know them, therefore, that are such.

19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house, with whom I also lodge.

20All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.

21The salutation of me Paul, with my own hand.

22If any man love not our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha.

23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24My charity be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Important Verses in 1 Corinthians 16

Now concerning the collections that are made for the saints: as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye also.

1 Corinthians 16:1

For I will not see you now by the way: for I trust that I shall abide with you some time, if the Lord permit.

1 Corinthians 16:7

Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

1 Corinthians 16:10

If any man love not our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha.

1 Corinthians 16:22

Historical Context

1 Corinthians addresses the divided church of Corinth, called back to unity and holiness within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 16 of 16 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 24 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Priscilla, Timothy, Apollo and Aquila, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "Now concerning the collections that are made for the saints: as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye…" The final verse reads: "My charity be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. " Read against its original backdrop, Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan port city, and its young church mirrored its problems: factions, lawsuits, immorality, and confusion about worship. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 56, from Ephesus.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 56, from Ephesus

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now concerning the collections that are made for the saints: as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye also." The passage repeatedly touches on love and charity.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of unity, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. Paul's teaching on the Eucharist and the body of Christ (CIC 1329, 791). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 26).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Now you are the body of Christ. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 1 Corinthians 16 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • God's presence casts out fear; His command 'Be not afraid' echoes throughout salvation history.

People in This Chapter

Priscilla1 mentionTimothy1 mentionApollo1 mentionAquila1 mentionPaul1 mention

Reflection for Today

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 16, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of unity, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). 1 Corinthians Chapter 16 supports that call by drawing attention to trust in providence amid uncertainty within the wider message that Now you are the body of Christ.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1814).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Corinthians Chapter 16 about?

1 Corinthians 16 contains 24 verses. It opens with "Now concerning the collections that are made for the saints: as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye…" and closes with "My charity be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 1 Corinthians 16?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now concerning the collections that are made for the saints: as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye also." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Corinthians Chapter 16?

This chapter mentions Priscilla, Timothy, Apollo, Aquila, Paul.

Who wrote 1 Corinthians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 56, from Ephesus.

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