16:12
Finally we have Apollos. Apollos was mentioned in 1 Cor 1:12 with regard to the “party-spirit” problem. It is evident from here and other comments in the letter, that the “problem” was entirely Corinthian based, it had nothing to do with Paul or Apollos, they saw themselves as fellow-workers. Indeed, Paul had urged him to go to Corinth. Apollos, however, declined, possibly fearing that his going there would make the “I follow” problem worse. Paul left the decision in Apollos’ hands, and was confident that he would visit Corinth in due course.
16:13,14
Here we get a general exhortation, including elements that are frequently found in his letters, and elsewhere. They are to be on their guard, to stand firm in the faith, and to be strong and courageous. So often in the West religion, or at least Christianity, is portrayed as quietism or piety. There is an element of truth in these caricatures, but they are far from being the full picture. The gospel is in opposition to the world (but it is for humanity). So we need to be aware of the risk of attacks, either from within or from without. Faith will be challenged, we need to stand firm in the faith. Sometimes the attacks will be physically and emotionally wearing. So we need to be strong and courageous. Then everything is to be done in love. Being battle hardened can lead to us being hard hearted, and we need to remember that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers (Eph 6:12). We need to do everything in love.
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