1 Cor. 16:1-3 Now concerning the collection for the saints...them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem
"...in Romans 15:24-31, Paul explains at some length that his purpose in going to Judea was to take a welfare donation from Macedonia and Achaia to the 'poor saints which are at Jerusalem.' This is mentioned also in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4. The welfare aspect is further developed in 2 Corinthians 9:1-15, in which Paul urges the Corinthian saints to get their donation ready beforehand so that he could obtain it when he arrived. The emphasis on these things brings us to another significant feature [of Paul's ministry]. Acts 11:27-30 makes scant reference to Paul as a welfare worker and mentions one occasion when with Barnabas he took a donation to the saints in Jerusalem. This was about A.D. 41 or 44 and was possibly Paul's earliest experience with welfare as a Church program. However, as indicated above, his epistles give evidence that in the years that followed he became a diligent welfare worker, collecting donations throughout Galatia (see 1 Cor. 16:1), Macedonia (see Rom. 15:25-26), and Greece (see 2 Cor. 9:1-5) for the Judean saints. Furthermore, Paul adds yet another reference to this subject. After the favorable decision of the Jerusalem council, Peter and others counseled Paul and Barnabas to go forth, and to 'remember the poor.' To which Paul replied that he 'also was forward to do' exactly that. (See Gal. 2:10.) From the book of Acts we would scarcely know of Paul's great diligence in welfare activity-but from his epistles we learn of his several welfare collections and of his strong persuasions to the branches of the Church concerning this part of his ministry." (Robert J. Matthews, "St. Paul Writes about the Church," New Era, Apr. 1977, 33, 35)
1 Cor. 16:2 upon the first day of the week
George Q. Cannon
"In the Acts of the Apostles it is recorded that St. Paul and his companions arrived at Troas and 'abode seven days. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.' (Acts 20:6-7.)
"Paul himself also alludes to it: 'Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.' (1 Corinthians 16:1-2.) The Apostle John describes himself as being in the spirit on the 'Lord's Day.' (Revelation 1:10.)
"It would seem from these allusions that the disciples, after the death of the Savior, made a practice of meeting together on the Lord's Day. This was not the Jewish Sabbath, neither was it recognized by law as a Sabbath until the time of Constantine. He prohibited judicial proceedings on the Lord's Day, and after that it was probably observed as a Sabbath in the place of Saturday, the old Jewish Sabbath, and grew into use as a day of rest and worship. We now observe it because it is sanctioned by law, and it seems to make but little, if any difference, whether we call it Saturday or Sunday. It happens that the day we observe is called Sunday. But the great point is to observe one day in seven and have it kept as a day of worship, a day of rest, a day when worldly thoughts and business shall be banished from our minds and from our habitations. It is in this spirit that Latter-day Saints should observe this day." (Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, selected, arranged, and edited by Jerreld L. Newquist [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1987], 392.)
1 Cor. 16:10-19 Paul's fellow laborers to be respected and followed
Paul admitted to trying to be 'all things to all men' (1 Cor. 9:22), but he could not be in all places at all times. Hence, he relied heavily on fellow missionaries and local priesthood authorities to regulate the church. What he really needed was telephones, television, and satellite broadcasts, but epistles and other missionaries was all he had. Therefore, we see Paul instructing the Corinthians to submit to these other authorities. In listing them, Paul gives us a glimpse as to the other important missionaries and leaders in the early Church.
Timothy (v. 10), presumably a convert of Paul's, was always a faithful servant. "Paul warned the Corinthians not to despise Timothy...an evidence of...their strong opposition to all priesthood authority (1 Cor. 16:10-11). Timothy's worth is proved by his continued labors with Paul, for Timothy's history is virtually the history of Paul's missions. Paul added Timothy's name to the opening of seven letters and mentioned his trustworthiness in two others. Paul had many powerful companions, but not one continued to be closer to him." (Richard Lloyd Anderson, Understanding Paul [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 315.)
Apollos (v. 12) was a convert and a powerful preacher. He was an Alexandrian Jew taught by Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus. 'He mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ' (Acts 18:28). Paul wanted Apollos to visit the Corinthians, but he was apparently busy elsewhere and couldn't be persuaded at that time.
Stephanas (v. 15), Paul says, became 'addicted' to the ministry. If the word "addiction" can be used in a positive connotation, then being addicted to the cause of Christ would be the best imaginable addiction. Stephanas was a Corinthian convert, and one of a very few whom Paul personally baptized (1 Cor. 1:16). "If his family had shared service positions, Stephanas stands out as one with presiding authority in Corinth. For Paul uses the masculine pronoun next with these words-'so you may also be subject to such men and to each fellow-laborer and worker' (1 Cor. 16:16, literal trans.). Wherever there are adequate sources, local priesthood officers emerge, with Paul encouraging the Saints to support them...Paul's patient but firm leadership is constant in his Corinthian letters. Here was a branch in need of strong local and general authorities." (Richard Lloyd Anderson, Understanding Paul [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 94 - 95.)
Fortunatas and Achaicus (v. 17). These companions of Stephanas are not mentioned elsewhere. Because of their Greek names and association with Stephanas, we may safely presume they were Corinthians. "When Paul had finished I Corinthians it is quite probable that he dispatched the Epistle to Corinth by Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus, who had been visiting Ephesus, as we have previously pointed out. And although at this point we are left to considerable conjecture, it would seem that in due time the Epistle reached Corinth and that Timothy returned to Ephesus with news for Paul concerning the manner in which it was received and the condition of the branch. Timothy's report was probably not altogether reassuring...Paul had occasion to write 2 Corinthians and to send Titus on his second mission to Corinth. (2 Cor. 8:6, 18, 23)" (Paul's Life and Letters [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1955], 138.)
"From the epistles we also get an impression of Paul as an administrator in the Church. Not only did he send letters to various branches, but he frequently dispatched one or more of his aides to deliver the epistle and to investigate problems and conditions in local areas...In recounting his persecutions and trials, Paul added that not only did he have to contend with all the trouble and persecutions from outside the Church, but that he had the daily 'care of all the Churches' (2 Cor. 11:28), evidently referring to his administrative responsibilities." (Robert J. Matthews, "St. Paul Writes about the Church," New Era, Apr. 1977, 35)
1 Cor. 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong
Marion D. Hanks
"'Watch ye, stand [ye] fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.' (1 Cor. 16:13.)
"These words and phrases seem to me to express the deep sentiments that are most important to me, and in just a few words I want to talk about each tonight.
"'Watch ye,' Paul said. Be wise. There are a lot of roads to travel on, many places to go, countless things to see. Companions of all kinds are available. So watch your step, examine carefully the alternatives. There are only so many books you can read, so many places you can go, so many tasks you can prepare to work at and actually give your time to; you can only have so many real friends; you have one character to form, one life to live, one Master who can be served at a time. So, said Paul, 'Watch you.' Be wise. Keep reading, keep thinking, keep asking, keep interested. Try out your own ideas, weigh them and weigh those of others, thoughtfully, prayerfully, honestly. Let truth have its chance in the marketplace.
"Do you know these words of Emerson?...'Ah, my soul, look to the road you are walking on. He who picks up one end of a stick picks up the other. He who chooses the beginning of a road chooses the place it leads to.'
"Well, take another honest look tonight about the road you are on, as to character, conduct, causes, Christ. Are you going to like the place you are headed for when you get there? How are you spending your life?...
"What else did Paul say to these Corinthians who found it hard to be Christians in Corinth? 'Quit you like men,' he said. 'Quit you like men.'
"This is the same message Lehi delivered to his recreant sons (2 Ne. 1:21). It is the same message that the ancient scripture says again and again. 'Let us play the man.' What does that mean? It means to me, take sides, commit your life, live your convictions, work, serve, sacrifice, give.
"You remember the great story of the elderly man who could see little and hear almost nothing and yet who was in sacrament meeting every Sunday night. A cynic asked him, 'Why in the world do you go? You can't hear and you can't see. What do you get out of it?' And the old man smiled and said, 'I go to show which side I'm on.'...
"'Quit you like men,' wrote Paul. Be a man! Serve like a man! Sacrifice like a man! Work like a man! Act like a man!" (May 28, 1964, BYU Speeches of the Year, 1964 11.)
Elder William H. Reeder, Jr.
"'Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong'-this was addressed by Paul to the Corinthian Church, but it rings a clarion message to us, the Latter-day Saints.
"It contains four distinct statements, each important and all necessary for faithfulness.
"1. 'Watch ye.' We must keep our eyes and ears open, be alert to learn of him and of his ways; give heed not only to his word as contained in the scriptures, but to instructions and counsel of his servants. Words and actions must be guarded so as not to injure others; thoughts and habits be controlled and regulated so as to impress others by example that there is substance to his way of life.
"2. 'Stand fast in the Faith.' Faith in Jesus Christ, his life and mission is essential to salvation, and devout Christians vehemently assert that it is essential to lasting peace. It is the better way, not only to eternal life but to good neighborly living. Steadfastness in our faith will impel us to broadcast its truths, and even to die for it; stability therein is bound to influence others.
"3. 'Quit you like men.' To acquit ourselves like real men is a solemn duty of all of us in all the affairs of life. Honorable men are without guile, do not injure others, lead exemplary lives, and seek to promote truth and righteousness. Cowards slink from responsibility and accomplish nothing worthwhile. To manfully acquit ourselves, we must lead lives that are constructive and consistent with the standards and practices of his Church.
"4. 'Be strong.' This is a summary of all virtues. Strong men and women are needed everywhere, in the Nation, the Church, the neighborhood. To them we look for guidance, for leadership. Sturdy, powerful witnesses of the Savior, of his word and work, are required to lead men in his path of truth and righteousness. Therefore, be strong in the faith and valiant for the truth." (Conference Report, October 1944, Afternoon Meeting 147.)
1 Cor. 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha
Bruce R. McConkie
"Anathema is a Greek word meaning accursed. Hence, a person or thing cursed by God or his authority, as for instance one who has been excommunicated, is anathema. (Rom. 9:3.) 'Wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world.' (D. & C. 50:8.)
"Paul's statement, 'If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha' (1 Cor. 16:22), probably means, let him be accursed until the Lord comes. Maranatha, an Aramaic word meaning, O our Lord, come, appears to have been used by the primitive saints as a watchword or salutation by which they reminded each other of the promised second Coming. Paul's statement, 'The Lord is at hand' (Philip. 4:5), and John's, 'Even so, come, Lord Jesus' (Rev. 22:20), carry the same hope and encouragement." (Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 34.)
Joseph Smith
"...if any other man preach any other gospel than this and the Baptism for the remission of sins and the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost let him be anathemised or accursed. The curse of God shall be upon him or them." (The Words of Joseph Smith: The Contemporary Accounts of the Nauvoo Discourses of the Prophet Joseph, compiled and edited by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1980], 370.)
Footnote: The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi
Evidence suggests that 1 Corinthians was really written from Ephesus not Philippi. The footnotes at the end of each Pauline epistle are not always reliable. "One may be misled by the King James Version notes at the end of every letter. These little postscripts are called 'subscriptions' from the fact that copyists wrote them underneath or after the letters. But the sentence notes appear very late-their earliest form is fourth century, so they are merely scribes' opinions." (Richard Lloyd Anderson, Understanding Paul [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 72.)