[:en]THE COLLECTION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE (vs. 1-4)
The Christians in Jerusalem were suffering from poverty and famine. So Paul suggested that believers set aside a certain amount each week and give it to the church for him to bring it to Jerusalem. When he arrived in Corinth, he took the gift and delivered it to the Jerusalem church. (Acts 21:18, 24:17)
PERSONAL REQUESTS (vs. 5-18)
Timothy was young when he was sent to Corinth by Paul. So Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to welcome him because he was carrying the work of the Lord. Apollos was doing evangelistcic work in Greece. (Acts 18:24-28, 1 Cor. 3:3). He knew of the factions in Corinth so he was unwilling to go to cause any more divisions.
Stephanas was the first convert in Achaia who also devoted to the service of the Saints. When he together with Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, they supplied what was lacking in them. Their deeds deserve recognition.
FINAL GREETINGS (vs. 19-24)
Aguila and Priscilla were tent makers whom Paul had met in Corinth. (Acts 18:1-3), They followed Paul to Ephesus and hleped him with the teaching ministy (Rom. 16:30)
PAUL’S EXHORTATION:
“Be on guard, stand frim in the faith, be men of courage. Be strong. Do everything in love” (v. 14)
Paul’s first letter to the Corintian church in Corinth was to deal with the problems of church – division, conflicts, selfishness, inconsiderate use of freedom, discorder of worship, misuse of spiritual gifts and wrong attitude about the resurrection.
In any church, there is always a problem and should not ignore but deal it head-on as they arise to preserve unity and love in church,[:]