In the final chapter of this letter, Paul begins with a note about a collection for God's people in Jerusalem. As you may remember, Paul, while he was still Saul, had helped to initiate intense persecution against Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 8.1) and most of the believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria except for the apostles and a few others. People were put in prison and sometimes killed. This left the church there in a desparate position - with widows and families who couldn't work because of imprisonment (in those days you also still had to provide your own food and clothes in prison). So Paul and others were collecting monies to send to the church there. He was encouraging them to set aside money so that when he or others come to collect the money, it would be all ready to go. He speaks more on this in 2 Corinthians 8.
Paul then describes his desire and plans to visit. We learn that he is writing this from Ephesus (v 8). He also gives instructions about Timothy's coming. Timothy is a younger man who is a strong believer who Paul has sent out to help the churches. Paul writes separate letters to Timothy (1 and 2 Timothy) where he is given instructions about his personal life and the tasks that he has been given in the churches. He addresses Apollos, and based on the comments, it may be that the Corinthians asked that Apollos could visit. Apollos was a well know and strong debator and defender of the faith who they were familiar with (1 Cor 1:12).
Paul also gives instructions for the church to submit themselves to the local leaders of the church (v 16) and he thanks them for sending messengers to tell how things are going in Corinth. This is the likely source of the questions that Paul is writing the letter to address (v 17).
Paul then ends the letters with greetings to the church from himself and others and expresses his love to them all. Paul was a spiritual leader, a servant and one who deeply loved those he was leading in Christ.
We will all do well to follow Paul's encouragement to the church: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." (v 13-14). We have spiritual enemies that fight against us so we need to be on our guard. We must not let difficulties nor struggles dissuade us, but we must stand firm with courage and strength from God. And finally, let us not be selfish in our actions, but do everything in love, looking out for the needs of others.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you!
