161 Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. 2 Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you'll have it ready, and I won't have to make a special appeal. 3 Then after I arrive, I'll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift. 4 If you think it best that I go along, I'll be glad to travel with them.
5 I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won't be staying long there, 6 but maybe I can stay awhile with you - maybe even spend the winter? Then you could give me a good send-off, wherever I may be headed next. 7 I don't want to just drop by in between other "primary" destinations. I want a good, long, leisurely visit. If the Master agrees, we'll have it! 8 For the present, I'm staying right here in Ephesus. 9 A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:1-9
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:1-9
(Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-9)
The good examples of other Christians and churches should rouse us. It is good to lay up in store for good uses. Those who are rich in this world, should be rich in good works, James 4:15. Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal, and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by the hardness of his hearers' hearts, and the backslidings of professors, than by the enemies' attempts.