March 11, 2009 1 Corinthians 16:13-24

Paul Ends His Letter ~1 Corinthians 16:13-24~

Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong. Do everything in love. You know that the family of Stephanas were the first believers in Soutehrn Greece and theat they have given themselves to the service of God's people. I ask you, brothers and sisters, to follow the leading of people like these and anyone else who works and serves with them. I am happy that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achiacus have come. You are not here, but they have filled your place. They have refreshed my spirit and yours. You should recognize the value of people like tehse. The churches in Asia send greeting to you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you in the Lord, as does the church that meets in their house. All the brothers and sisters here send greetings. Give each other a holy kiss when you meet. I, Paul, am writing his greeting with my own hand. If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be separated from God--lost forever! Come, O Lord! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.



This passage is of Paul saying his farewells to the Corinthian Church. It consists of a brief summary of all that happened throughout 1 Corinthians, words of encouragement, and also final farewells. Paul directs them to, "Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong. Do everything in love." Those are all the points we covered in this book, that the Corinthian church lacked. He also encourages them to follow faithful leaders and to show love to newcomers, to be welcoming. Finally, he ends with reminding them of God's love and of God's grace. God loves us and he gives us grace, for this, we need to love him with all that we can. Just as Paul loved the Corinthian church.