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Saturday 23 October 2010

1 Corinthians 16 - Closing words

The tone suddenly changes, with Paul returning to more mundane matters.
The collection was for the church in Jerusalem, which was going through a time of hardship. Note that the collection is to be organised efficiently and without fanfare. There is no big appeal, just a simple setting aside of money in proportion to each persons income. See also that care was taken to ensure everything was done accountably. If a church is attacked it will often be about money. If a church fails from within it will often be about money (sex and power being the other two likely causes). Therefore financial matters must be handled carefully to reduce the risk of this happening.
Paul then outlines his plans to visit them at some point in the future. Apollos and Timothy may also go to visit them.
"Be on your guard". We are in a battle and need to live as though we are in a battle. At the same time we are to do everything in love.
Paul then commends those who have been devoted to the gospel. We need to be careful about how we value people, and make sure we use a godly yardstick, not worldly standards.
The letter finishes with final greetings. Most of Paul'e letter would have been written by a scribe, but he signed the end of the letter to show that it was genuine. 
Verse 22 is interesting, not a greeting we would consider putting in a letter. In saying "a curse be on him", Paul is not casting a spell, but saying such a person is under God's judgement.

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