In Conclusion (1 Corinthians 16:15–24)

First Corinthians is not an easy epistle to digest for it includes a lot of rebuke as it reveals some ugliness in a local church. And yet, in many ways, we have met the Corinthian church and it is us. The same problems that plagued that church so long ago continue, though in different dress, in local churches of our day, including ours. For this reason, when, in early 2023, a fellow pastor learned I was commencing preaching through this book, he commented, “They say that if you want a church split, preach 1 Corinthians.” Well, as we conclude our study, we are happy to note that our church has not split.

Our church has been strengthened through this corporate exposition. But as we conclude our study, we need to focus on several truths recorded by Paul, which will help us to continue to be strengthened as a local church. Though Paul is writing “in conclusion,” he could just as easily have written “to be continued.” For, of course, the challenges he addressed will continue to resurface, as they do in any local church. As one veteran pastor once commented, “The local church is always working against the unravelling process.” That is, because we live in sin-plagued bodies in a sin-plagued world, the local church is constantly in need of repentance and reformation. Paul knew this was true and so he exhorted the local church to be vigilant (v. 13) and to do so in love (v. 14). With this exhortation in mind, Paul provide at least five truths that, if acted upon, will guard the progress we have made and will promote the maturity we need:

1. Examples to Follow (vv. 15–18)
2. Greetings to Give/Embraces to Share (vv. 19–20)
3. Warnings to Heed (vv. 21–22)
4. Affirmations to Receive (vv. 23–24a)
5. An Amen to Declare (v. 24b)

Examples to Follow

First, Paul lists some examples to follow:

Paul has said some pretty difficult things in response to some painfully and even discouraging situations of which he had been made aware (1:10–11). And yet there was much to praise about this local church: It had some wonderful members who were godly examples. Pause and consider that every local church will have difficult and discouraging, sometimes even divisive, members. However, it will also have pleasurable, productive, peaceful members. Paul mentions three by name in these verses, and gives instructions concerning how the church should respond to such wonderful examples. Thankfully, Brackenhurst Baptist Church is in the same position. So let’s learn how we should respond to God’s such gifts, which are examples to follow.

Paul earlier wrote that upon their request he had “strongly urged” Apollos to pay them a visit (v. 12). He now (vv. 15–16) urges them to do something. I think both situations are related.

In the former, a section of the church desired Apollos’s presence for ministry. He was extremely gifted (Acts 18:24–28). Paul informs them that, though Apollos will not soon be coming to them, in the meantime they, motivated by love, need to take personal responsibility to wake up, stand up, and grow up (v. 13). But immediately he points out that, even though gifted and favoured Apollos is not coming, nevertheless they dare not neglect others in their immediate presence who are God’s gift to them: “the household of Stephanas” who were “the first converts [lit. of Achaia [Greece].”

Paul calls this household the “first converts” (or, literally, the firstfruits) of Achaia. This is an agricultural term relating to the beginning of harvest. The firstfruits was typical of what was yet to come. There would be more like it. So here. Their conversion served as a promise of more to come (see Acts 18:9–10). And how they lived upon their conversion was to be typical of converts to follow.

The example of the household of Stephanas was not atypical but rather it was typical of what should characterise every Christian household and therefore every Christian. Namely, they had “devoted themselves to the service of the saints.” They did an awesome job of serving the saints. What a wonderful example!

The Greek word translated “devoted” means “to appoint.” The members of this household were not self-appointed leaders (there is nothing in the text that indicates that they were officially appointed leaders); instead, they had appointed themselves to serve the saints. When they saw a need, they appointed themselves as those who would meet it. They appointed themselves the role of servants to the saints. Like Jesus, they were known for taking up a towel and washing the feet of the saints—even sullied saints as the contents of 1 Corinthians would indicate.

We do not know the specific service they provided. The word translates diakonia, which describes a servant who attends the needs of others including providing relief (e.g. Acts 11:29). Quite likely, this household relieved those in the church who were suffering deprivation or some other form of distress or pressure.

In probably a variety of ways, this household devoted itself to serve the local and even broader household of faith.

They were a family that could be counted on to assist those in need. They were tireless in their commitment to serve the church. They were church members who got involved. They were church members who discipled others. They were those who showed hospitality. They were members who gave sacrificially of their time and their talents and their treasures to help the fatherless and the widow. They were those who provided meals to the beleaguered or brokenhearted in the congregation. They were those who worked in the crèche. They were those whom, when they saw a need, also saw an assignment and thus they appointed themselves to do it rather than waiting for someone else to put up their hand.

Perhaps this also made them objects of criticism. The light shining from the devoted may have illumined the self-centred individualism of others. And so tongues may started wagging. Regardless, they continued to serve with the church local, as well as probably the wider church, the better for it.

The KJV translates “devoted” as “addicted.” O to be so addicted! O to be a church filled with so many addicts! Imagine if each of us had withdrawal symptoms when we failed to be with and failed to serve one another. Imagine what our church would look like if each of us searched high and low for a “fix” of fervent service to each other. Imagine a congregation filled with those willing to lose everything for the sake of serving Christ by serving his church. Imagine the gospel empowering us to deny ourselves, to forsake all as we take up our cross and follow Jesus Christ. That is, imagine biblical Christianity. Well, rather than merely imagining it, let’s just do it, to the glory of God and for the good of others.

Perhaps if the church at Corinth was a household of faith characterised by such devoted households, then most of this epistle would not need to have been written. And neither would Paul’s subsequent painful visit, severe letter, or 2 Corinthians have been needed.

This is what each of us should strive for. Each of us should seek such congregational devotion. Each of us should seek to be servants of the church, both ours and, as God providentially opens doors, of the wider church as well.

Those of you with young families, let me you to produce such a household! Your children should be raised so that their local church is prioritised over every other thing pulling for their affections. Including recreation. Including school. Including career. And, yes, including family. A biblically faithful local church should be the spiritual centre of gravity for your family.

As your children observe you prioritise serving Christ and his church, they are in a good position to follow suit. Make no mistake: They will mimic what you prioritise.

But how can we make progress in this area? How can we develop such devotion? How can we acquire such an addiction? By following the example of others. By serving the servants. Or as Paul puts it, “Be subject to these, and to every fellow worker and labourer.”

Paul is not indicating that these were officially appointed leaders in the church. Rather, the household of Stephanas, and other faithful and hardworking church members, were “self-appointed servants” to whom everyone in the congregation was to submit; submission in the sense of mutual submission as enjoined in Ephesians 5:21. That is, just as these saints submitted themselves to serve the congregation, so the congregation at Corinth should serve them. Funny, this is precisely how being a leader in the church comes about! After arguing about who would be the leaders in God’s kingdom, Jesus rebuked the disciples, saying, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

The household of Stephanas, as well as other faithful members, understood this. Do we? Each true child of God is to be such a servant who serves other servants in the church. Brothers and sisters, BBC has many such examples, so wake up, look up, stand up, grow up, and serve the Body. Become an addict helping others to be awful addicts as well.

Paul points to some further great examples for the Corinthian congregation to follow: “Fortunatus” and “Achaicus” (vv. 17–18). These brothers were sent from the church to Paul (probably with the letter from Chloe’s household) while he was doing the work of the Lord in Ephesus. Paul testifies that, just as they had “refreshed” the church at Corinth, they likewise were as a cool stream to Paul’s parched “spirit.”

The word “refreshed” means to provide rest and is used by Jesus as he invites the weary to come to him to secure rest of soul from the burden of sin and guilt (Matthew 11:28).

We know, from what he said earlier, that Paul faced severe trials in Ephesus, but these faithful (and courageous) brothers were a balm to his soul, perhaps an aid to his physical deprivation, and a spiritual and emotional tonic to his spirit.

The arrival of these brothers was like having a piece of Corinth with him. Though not all the congregation could be there, Paul “rejoiced” that the church’s “absence” was mitigated by their presence. He was the better for it.

Paul then exhorts, “Give recognition to such people.” He is not suggesting that they be applauded and rewarded with a certificate. The word means “to know thoroughly.” In other words, the congregation should pay attention to them. The congregation should get to know them in order to learn from them. The congregation is to imitate their example.

O for a congregation filled with refreshers! O to be such a church member!

Paul was a man burdened with the care of churches (2 Corinthians 11:28). He was burdened by satanic onslaughts. He was personally attacked with malicious slander and felt the pain of his motives being misunderstood at best, maligned at worst. No wonder he “rejoiced” when these brothers arrived and, in some way, “refreshed” his “spirit.”

Brothers and sisters, when you gather with the congregation, do you come to merely get or to give? As you arrive with your burdens, I certainly desire that you will leave refreshed by the truth of the gospel, by the God-centred worship, and the fellowship of the saints. But please consider that others are arriving each Lord’s Day who also need refreshment. Therefore, ask the Lord to use you to enable the burdened to rejoice and to find rest for their souls.

You and I are often unaware of the burdens that some are carrying when they walk through the days of this building. But God does. And he wants to use you to refresh them. And if you don’t know how, then get to know those who do. Follow their example to the good of others, to the maturing of yourself, to the glory of God. Let each of us ask, “Are we among the refreshers or the depressors?” (Ellsworth).

Next, Paul urges that there are some greetings to give: “The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss” (vv. 19–20).

Paul sends greetings from “the churches in Asia” (Western Turkey) and from “Aquila and Prisca.” In fact, “all the brothers send … greetings.” “The Corinthians’ solidarity with other Christian churches is reinforced by the greeting Paul communicates from” local churches elsewhere (Ciampa and Rosner).

Please observe that believers far away see other believers as a part of the same family (“all the brothers”). In other words, the concern of the churches in Asia was not restricted to the parochial. They cared about others. We addressed that in the earlier portion of the chapter. Greetings from other Christians and churches could be a great encouragement that they are important to others—to other Christians—and such awareness might motivate them towards obedience. We really do need one another.

“Aquila and Prisca” were a faithful couple who assisted Paul in planting the church in Corinth as well as instructing Apollos, grounding him in the gospel (Acts 18). They are now with Paul in Ephesus and will soon head to their home city of Rome where they will serve that local church before returning to Ephesus to assist Timothy as he shepherds there in the absence of Paul. Talking about examples! Wow. What a couple.

Note how Paul “tucks in” the exhortation, “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (v. 20). That is, “Since those from afar are greeting you, you should be greeting those who are near. And you can even throw in a kiss!”

The word “greet” means “to enfold in the arms” and speaks of heartily welcoming someone. The addition of “holy kiss” speaks of warm affection. “Holy” provides parameters—man to man, woman to woman. The picture is not a mere formal greeting but rather that of a family bond. We call each other “brothers and sisters” and, when we see each other, our greetings should convey this relationship. This is why when church members avoid one another it points to a relational breakdown. There might need to be a family meeting to sort it out.

While being encouraged by Christians from afar, we must never despise the day of small things in our owncommunity of faith. God is at work here in the lives of fellow church members so let us embrace and encourage each other, persevering alongside one another despite relational challenges. Don’t buy the lie that the grass is greener at another local church. That may prove to be a mirage.

Third, Paul issues some warnings to heed: “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!” (vv. 21–22).

Paul, coming to the end of the letter, and ever the pastor, takes the pen from the hand of his amanuensis to sign off. This was Paul’s custom, authenticating all that he had written. He stands by it (see Colossians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:17; Galatians 6:11; Philemon 19). What he now personally pens is significant. It is also sobering.

Consider that Paul has written some tough stuff, some sharp rebukes, and some solemn instructions. He has done so with deep pastoral concern. He is aware that a day of judgement will come and the Corinthians, no less than the entire world, will stand before the Lord. How will they fare? Will they stand blessedly accepted or accursedly condemned? So Paul writes words of warning in order to encourage the faithful and to restore the wandering.

“If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed.” He could have written, “If anyone has no belief in the Lord” or, “If anyone does not live in obedience to the Lord.” It amounts to the same thing. Jesus said unambiguously, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15,21). David Jackman comments, “To love the Lord is the only authentic response to the gospel of the cross. It is the heart and soul of all genuine Christian profession and experience.” Do you love him?

The motivation to obey all which Paul has written in this epistle is love for the Lord. The motivation is not mere moral improvement, nor keeping your nose clean as a church member, nor raising a reputable family. No, the motivation is love for Jesus Christ. Though Paul has often displayed a judgement of charity concerning their conversion, he is acutely aware that not everyone who professes Jesus as their Saviour belongs to him. No matter how loudly they claim to.

Those who love Jesus Christ love what he loves and they hate what he hates. Those who love Jesus Christ love his gospel and his word. They love his Father and his Spirit. Those who love Jesus Christ love his people. Small wonder Paul closes his letter with an affirmation of love.

You and I need to appreciate the reality of God’s blessed salvation and the reality of God’s wrathful condemnation. Jesus said it succinctly, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). You will either love the Lord Jesus Christ with eternal bliss or you will hate him with eternal loss. There is no neutral ground. As Paul clearly reveals, “Irrevocable punishment will be meted out to those who do not love the Lord” (Schreiner). Roger Ellsworth soberly writes, “Let’s accept what these verses teach: Jesus Christ has been given absolute pre-eminence by God and a curse rests upon all who do not recognize this and live accordingly.”

Church member, have you believed the gospel? Have you repented of your rebellion against holy God turning to trust in Jesus Christ alone whose death alone satisfies God’s holy wrath? Have you been reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Is there the accompanying evidence of love for Jesus Christ?

Children of church members, what about you? You sing “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” I am glad to hear that song. But do you love Jesus? Do you know that he died for you? That he rose from the dead to save you, to make you a part of his family? Have you been born again? I pray that every week for you. Let me know when you trust him as your Lord and Saviour.

Paul’s next words, “Our Lord, come!” may be an encouragement to believers. It may be a confession of faith, translated, “The Lord has come.” It might be a prayer, “Come Lord Jesus!” But equally, it may be an additional warning. That is, “In the light of what I have just written, the Lord is coming and so be sure you can say when he does, ‘Lord, I love you.’”

Having written about the resurrection Paul leaves the Corinthian church in no doubt concerning the Lord’s return. Let me ask you, do you look forward to it? Are you indifferent to it? Do you disregard it? If we love the Lord, we will long for the Lord. Yes, our love will ebb and flow, but it will not be absent. Our love for Christ will cast a long shadow over all we do and think. Jesus is coming. Is that good or bad news for you?

Paul goes on to speak of some affirmations to receive: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus” (vv. 23–24).

These words are not mere “niceties”, rather, they close the epistle in the same way the epistle opened: focusing us on the grace and love of the Lord Jesus Christ—grace and love as displayed and as declared in the Cross of Jesus Christ.

When Paul preached the gospel in Corinth, God’s grace was given to them by which they repented and believed the message of the cross (1:4; 23–31; 2:1–5). He closes the epistle pointing them to the same “grace of the Lord Jesus” and the same “love … in Christ Jesus.” The same gospel grace that saved them, Paul now affirms, will continue to sustain them. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

Having just issued a solemn warning, Pastor Paul encourages those who love the Lord Jesus Christ that they are safe and secure in him. Their position in Christ is eternally secure. The grace of Jesus Christ empowers us to obey the commands in this letter.

BBC has faced difficult times, and no doubt we still will. We must do so resting in the Lord’s affirmation that we are accepted in the beloved. We need to rest in the gospel truth that the Lord Jesus Christ is our “righteousness and sanctification and redemption” and with this assurance we confidently “boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:30–31).

One major way that we receive such assurance and affirmation is by the affirmation of others. Paul affirms the faith of those who love the Lord. This is a pastoral function. Yes, sometimes hard words are called for along with painful confrontation. Nevertheless, the greatest joy of a pastor is to affirm the faith of a Christian. This is also one of the greatest privileges of the Christian.

As people pursue church membership, the existing membership has the privilege to come alongside with the goal of affirming their faith in Christ. What a joy to disciple someone to follow Christ. What a joy for the congregation to get to know them so as to be able to affirm their faith. What a joy over the years to continually affirm their faith. And what a sorrow when we can longer do so.

Let each member do all we can to be able to affirm, not merely our love for church members, but to affirm the love and grace of Christ for church members. For all church members. Prior observes that Paul “concludes with a message of grace and love … for all the Corinthians, even or especially those who have cause him the greatest problems and put up the fiercest opposition…. Nothing can quench Paul’s love for them all—‘in Christ Jesus.’” Such should be our attitude towards one another.

In conclusion, Paul writes, “Amen” (v. 24).

This important word has been called “the best-known word in human speech.” It is the English transliteration of the Hebrew which was transliterated into Greek which has been transliterated into many languages.

It implies trust and confidence reflecting the Hebrew meaning “to believe.” To utter “amen” after hearing or reading something “is to make the substance of what is uttered one’s own.” It is to declare, “So be it, I agree, may it be fulfilled.”

We have heard God’s word to the church at Corinth. What he said to them through the apostle Paul he continues to say to us. Therefore, in conclusion, let us corporately, from our hearts, declare to the Lord who has come, who will yet come, whom we love, “Amen.”

AMEN