Independently Interdependent (1 Corinthians 16:5–14)

Recently, a pastor of a sister church remarked that Brackenhurst Baptist Church has a testimony of involving itself with other churches, providing support, instruction, and encouragement. He commented on our missions bulletin board, which displays pictures of those we financially support. He asked how this came about.

I thought for a moment and pointed to the large world map behind our pulpit emphasising the “10/40 Window.” He then commented on the banners around the building with biblical texts emphasising the Great Commission. I said that the Great Commission has always been at the heart of our church, rather than a mere appendage. The Great Commission is why the local church exist. In other words, our church is here to do “the work of the Lord” (15:58; 16:8,10,16,19).

This conviction motivates willingness for sacrificial giving to meet the needs both of our church and those of gospel-faithful churches elsewhere. This Great Commission conviction motivates us to help to further missionaries “on their way.” When we understand the centrality of the Great Commission, we better appreciate that, though we have individual responsibilities for our independent church, we also appreciate our responsibilities of interdependence. We see something of this in the passage before us.

Verses 5–14 offer more than a message about intended travel plans. Instead, they emphasise the value of the local church and its place in the broader work of the Lord. Local churches with a resurrection worldview see themselves as a part of God’s new creation and are committed to the extension of God’s new creation by making disciples of Jesus Christ with a view to planting local churches. Such churches will be mindful of others, sacrificial for others, missional alongside others, relational with others, respectful of others, accountable to others, helpful to others, hopeful and thus prayerful for others, watchful with others, resourceful and hospitable to others, dependable for others, and communal with other local churches.  And all of this and more is in view as Paul closes his letter. In sum, while he respected their “autonomy” as a local church, they needed to see they were a part of something much bigger. Therefore, they needed to see themselves as independent yet interdependent.

An Independent Church

Paul informs the Corinthian church of his intention to visit them upon his yet-to-be finalised departure from Ephesus. He wanted to spend time with the church at Corinth to strengthen them in their faith as well as to secure their partnership for further gospel advance. But before we deal with that important matter it is important for us to observe that Paul respects this church as being an autonomous (not a great word) church. That is, a church that exists even in the absence of the apostle Paul. In this sense, it was an independentchurch. Its existence, humanly speaking, was due to Paul’s gospel ministry (Acts 18).

Having spent eighteen months planting this church amid apparent opposition (18:9–11), he had left and returned to his sending local church in Antioch (18:18–22). He left behind a local church that was self-governing (and probably self-supporting). From what he wrote in 1:4–9, the local church in Corinth was sufficiently independent and therefore responsible to be self-governing and, as much as possible, self-supporting. That is why Paul took them seriously—seriously enough to write this epistle to them. Though he writes with firmness, he is not paternalistic. He respects that they are responsible to be responsible as an independent local church. Why is independence important?

A biblically independent church exists because God has equipped it be so. He has enriched it with the spiritual gifts needed to function and to be governed. Interestingly, in chapter 5, Paul expected this congregation to discipline a sinning member. Though he had unique apostolic authority, he did not usurp this congregation’s authority and responsibility. The same thing is indicated in 1 Corinthians 11–14, where he instructs them how to regulate their corporate gatherings.

I am stressing this because the work of the Lord aims at making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ among the nations with the goal of gathering them into self-governing, “self-serving” (in the right way!) local churches. That is, independent, maturing churches.

More chapters were written to the church at Corinth than any other New Testament local church. This indicates not merely that this church had a lot of issues, but also indicates that, in many ways, it represents the norm. Church history is filled with local churches, which have and do experience the same challenges as did this church so long ago. And yet it was an authentic, maturing, independent, self-governing church to be taken seriously.

Like the church at Corinth, we must follow God’s rules for us concerning doctrine and practice. Like the church at Corinth, each member is responsible to do his or her job (serving, sharing, sustaining, showing up! and participating). Like the church at Corinth, we must be committed to the work of the Lord. In other words, God takes us seriously. We need to take him and his work seriously. With this in mind, let’s unpack this passage.

An Interdependent Church

Being independent, biblically defined, is good for the local church. But independence must not be confused with being either isolated from or indifferent to other Christians and other local churches. This passage makes this very clear.

Paul’s Intention

Paul planned on a northward trip from Ephesus to Macedonia (northern Greece) and to then head south to Corinth. He probably planned on visiting Troas first (Acts 20), then on to Philippi before making his way to Corinth. All along the way, he would be ministering to the local churches, providing counsel, instruction, and encouragement.

Having received a visit from Chloe’s people (likely household servants) (1:11), Paul wrote this letter addressing concerns they had raised. Though his epistle had dealt thoroughly and authoritatively with these matters, he knew that a personal visit would prove helpful.

Apparently, there were two main reasons for Paul’s desire to spend a lengthy period of time with them: to helpthem and to be helped by them.

First, Paul wanted to be assisted by them as he carries out the work of the Lord. The phrase “help me on my journey” contains the idea of providing aid for a journey. In other words, he was asking for money. Money is necessary for the work of the Great Commission. Money is necessary for church planting and Paul wanted this assistance from those to whom he had ministered.

I was asked recently how it is that our church invests a significant amount of money in missions. I said that, in previous years, it was easy because those we sent were member of our church and so a relationship existed. Further, those we sent had spent considerable time at our church, serving the church. They had invested in the church and so it was easy for the church to invest in them. So it was with Paul. Though Paul certainly had his enemies in the church (see 2 Corinthians!), most appreciated him and so him asking for monetary help was natural.

We support many men who are not members here and yet we have a meaningful relationship with them. When you know and love someone, it is easy to invest in them. Relationships build a spirit of interdependence.

Second, Paul wanted to help them. This was a part of his assigned “work of the Lord.” He wanted sustained time with them rather than to merely “pass through.” He wanted to invest sufficient time to help them in their commitment to Jesus Christ.

We have seen Paul’s pastoral heart throughout this epistle. He loved his brothers and sisters and he desired their spiritual welfare. That is why he wrote this letter. And yet he knew that a personal visit would serve them well. In letters, even inspired ones, the personal touch can be lost. Yet in a face-to-face meeting, one can see facial expressions and body language that softens what might sound harsh as well as stiffening what might be ignored. Paul even alludes to this (2 Corinthians 10:9–12).

In our day of email and texting, we should pause and consider the continued importance of personal interaction. There is no substitute, over the long term, for physical interaction with one another. This is my concern about the livestreaming craze in our day. When doing research on sabbatical for my paper on pastoral transition, I was disappointed to read of a large church in Florida, USA that boasted of an “online congregation” of over 10,000. They might be online listeners, but they are not a congregation.

But what does this have to do with the matter of independence and inter-dependence? A lot.

A local church’s independence will only be as healthy as the health of its interdependence. We need interaction with those outside our congregation. Though this local came behind in no gifts (1:5–10), it needed outside help. So do we.

If a local church isolates itself from those outside its sphere, it will most likely become an unbiblical oddity. It will probably have blind spots that will never be exposed, thus hampering its growth in Christlikeness.

If a local church isolates itself, it might hinder itself from growing in faith. However, by sacrificially partnering with sister churches, we are provided an opportunity to grow in faith (see 16:1–4).

If a local church is isolated, she hinders her own spiritual health and her ability in the work of the Lord. This involves things like ministry partnerships and meaningful fellowship between pastors. It includes things like church members reading good material written by those outside of their own church.

Finally, if a church isolates itself from “outside assistance,” it will eventually become indifferent to the wider needs of the body of Christ. “Us four and no more” is not a healthy mindset for a local church. Such churches usually either implode or die out.

Deo Volente

Paul’s phrase (“if the Lord permits”) is important. It becomes particularly important when he writes 2 Corinthians. You see, Paul was forced to make a quick visit to Corinth after writing this first letter (2 Corinthians 1:15–24; 2:1–4; 13:10). Receiving word of serious problems, Paul made a dash from Ephesus to Corinth to deal seriously and painfully with the situation. He then returned to Ephesus for what was an apparently long time before he ever returned to Corinth.

Anyway, as much as Paul desired to get to them, he knew that the best laid plans of men are sometimes changed by the providence of God. Both ministers and congregations need a good deal of flexibility for the work of the Lord.

In the meantime, Paul is at Ephesus even though it is here where he “dies daily” even “fighting with beastly opposition” (15:31–32). 

Interdependence and Prayer

Often, where there “is a wide door for effective work” in the Great Commission there is attendant opposition. We know from the record of Acts 19 that Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was so effective that from there the word of the gospel spread to all of the region of ancient Asia (Acts 19:10). And apparently with its spread came satanic adversaries. Why does Paul mention this? I suppose because he desires the prayers and understanding of the church at Corinth.

This matter of interdependence worked both ways. The Corinthians needed Paul and Paul needed the Corinthians.

Brothers and sisters, when pastors and churches ask for our prayers, in a spirit of interdependence, let’s take this seriously. Further, when we hear of great doors of opportunity for effective gospel work in other local churches, let us rejoice rather than envy, for we are on the same team.

It is folly for gospel-faithful churches to create troublesome, trivial tribalism. Good and godly men are maligned and “cancelled” because they do not do things just like we see them. While we should be doctrinally careful about essential gospel teaching, we need to be charitable about matters of adiaphora and secondary matters.

Paul’s Investment

Verses 10–11 go on to describe Paul’s investment: “When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.”

Paul had sent Timothy to Corinth, most likely with this epistle in his satchel (4:17). As indicated, Timothy was like a son to him (cf. 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; 3:10–11).

On his second missionary journey, Paul took Timothy to train him for ministry (Acts 16:1–5). We might say that Timothy was Paul’s intern, a dearly beloved intern. But because the church at Corinth was so important to Paul, he was willing to do without his company to ensure the faithful deliverance of this letter to this church. Paul’s request is that Timothy be accorded the same respect as if he were Paul himself. Consider the likely scene.

Timothy arrives in Corinth and many believers are excited because of his connection with Paul. Others, not so much (see 4:18–21)!

Timothy informs the elders that he has a rather long letter from Paul and would like to read it when the church gathers on the Lord’s Day. Sunday arrives, the church gathers, Timothy is introduced, and he stands to read this authoritative letter from Paul.

Most likely there were sections where he was a bit uncomfortable. As various factions were rebuked for their divisiveness, as some shifted in their seats as their sexual immorality was exposed, as wealthy people squirmed being confronted with chapter 11, and as sensation-seekers blushed as Timothy read chapters 12–14, Timothy perhaps was getting rather dry in the mouth, wondering whether he was going to be fed lunch after the service!

Paul knew Timothy’s potential of being blamed for the message and so he included this section before us. He was well aware of the tendency for a congregation to shoot the messenger.

If I am correct that Timothy delivered and read this letter, though tempted to timidity, he was perhaps emboldened as he read these closing verses. “Hey people, listen to what Paul says here—be nice to me!”

Regardless, the point is that Paul was willing to be left without his dear friend to strengthen another local church. This is what interdependence is all about: willingness to share our “people resources” with other churches. This pushes us to die to self, to sacrifice for the welfare of other churches. This is a privilege. Personally, I don’t enjoy being away from my own church to serve elsewhere but it is important.

Paul’s Interest

Verse 12 commences with a refrain: “Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity” (v. 12).

“Now concerning” suggests that the Corinthian church (or at the least, a section of the church) had requested the presence of Apollos. As much as Paul had encouraged him (“strongly urged”) to make the trip and visit Corinth, Apollos declined, though he planned to come when he had opportunity. I think this is a significant verse, both in light of the earlier part of the epistle and in light of what immediately follows.

This reveals Pauls personal disinterest because of a greater interest: the welfare of this congregation.

You perhaps remember that Paul commenced this epistle by admonishing the church to practice unity, necessitating their repentance from factionalism around personalities. The celebrity Christianity of our day is not “new under the sun.” There were factions who cherished Paul, Cephas, and Apollos. Over the course of a couple of chapters, Paul makes clear that he and these other preachers were merely labourers who planted and watered in God’s field, but he is the one causes the growth (3:1–9). Though it is right for the church to appreciate their faithfulness, it was wrong for them to set them on a pedestal over-emphasising their importance. That is, the church is dependent on God, not on mere men.

We know from the end of Acts 18 that Apollos became a skilled teacher and so Paul left him with the church in Corinth while he moved on to Ephesus (where Apollos apparently met up with Paul later). During this time doubtless the church’s affection grew for this faithful, gifted, fruitful brother, therefore they want him to come back.

I wonder how Paul felt receiving this request. Was he jealous of their affection for Apollos? I doubt it. After all, he “strongly urged our brother Apollos to visit” them. Did you catch that? Paul didn’t see him as a rival but rather as a “brother.” Paul viewed Apollos as a fellow labourer who would benefit the church in Corinth. He was not territorial of his position or of the affection with which the church held him. He simply wanted to do what was best for God’s people.

In a church with a plurality of leaders, it is invariable that particular leaders will be of particular help to particular church members. That is okay. A day is coming when another will stand here who will be of more help than me. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. What matters is that the church be edified for the work of the Lord. What does not matter is ego.

A Wise Guy

One further observation is necessary. Note that Apollos pushed back on the urging of the apostle. First, this indicates that it was okay to do so. Paul was an apostle he was not the Almighty. But why was it not opportunefor him to acquiesce to their request? Perhaps because he was busy and could not leave his current part of the vineyard in the work of the Lord. Perhaps he was not well. But perhaps it was more than this. It is likely that, knowing of his celebrity status in the eyes of many, he thought it wise to not go there. Perhaps he discerned that his absence would be better for their spiritual growth. Perhaps he was guarding against an unhealthy dependence. They needed to be intentional about growing in maturity (3:1).

Brothers and sisters, being interdependent is important for a church to be edified and to expand in the work of the Lord. And yet independence is equally important. That is, our Christianity cannot rest on a particular leader and leaders, nor on a particular local church. Rather, there is a kind of righteous individualism which each of us needs. And to this theme we turn for our final consideration.

An Intentional Church

Our text closes by pointing to an intentional church: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (vv. 13–14).

This verse is a helpful hinge between what we have studied and what we will conclude next time (vv. 15–24). Realising that their esteemed teacher was not coming, Paul encouraged the church to get on with the work of the Lord. Perhaps harkening back to 15:58, he exhorts them to persevere!

Paul exhorts them to grow up, to move forward to maturity by waking up, standing up, acting up, and building up. And they are to do all of this in love. “No, Apollos is not coming. I asked him but he can’t do so now. As nice as it would be to have his presence and his ministry, you will be just fine without him. Leaning on the Lord (“be strong”), you need to knuckle down and grow up.”

Throughout this letter, Paul has urged them to maturity. He returns to that theme and, like a parent who leads their child to an appropriate independence, says, “It is time for you to launch. Get out of the nest and just do it.” Like Israel, as she stood on the banks of Jordan, it was time to trust the Lord, to be courageous, to “play the man” and do the work of the Lord with the good news, not merely of a piece of real estate in Palestine but rather with the good news that God’s kingdom is being extended to all the nations. With or without Apollos. With or without Paul. Get on with it!

The work of the Lord must never become dependent on one person or a “special” group of persons but rather each church member must take responsibility for his or her own maturity. As each of us does this, we are strengthened corporately for the work of the Lord (see 2 Corinthians 10:15–16).

Brothers and sisters, until Jesus returns, we have the privileged responsibility (motivated by love for the Lord) for each other and for a lost world. We have the privileged responsibility to grow in spiritual maturity, and, in love, to join arms in humble interdependence to do the work of the Lord to the glory of God. This love is not a worldly, sentimental, feel-good, warm and fuzzy love. Rather it is the rock-solid love of God demonstrated in the cross work of Jesus Christ.

As much as Paul wanted to be with them, and as much as Apollos probably did as well, they were both confident that Jesus Christ was the one behind the work of the Lord. They knew he would build his church despite the sometimes sin and sloth of his people (v. 13) and despite the adversarial attacks from the evil one (. 9).

If you are not a Christian, let me close with a word to and for you. This church to which Paul wrote was not a great model. It had some ugly sin and even some hypocrisy in it. And yet the two men who could help it the most felt that at the moment they were engaged in something more urgent: preaching the gospel to those who were lost.

The sins in the church were serious, and God would deal with them. But to be lost in your sins, to be alienated from God, is far worse. To not belong to Jesus Christ results, not in discipline from the Lord, but rather in everlasting destruction under the wrath of God.

Therefore, while the sins of Christians, including Christians in this church, is a problem, if you do not repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, your problem is far bigger—eternally so. So turn to Christ and trust him—alone—and be saved today.

AMEN