1 Now concerning the collection (or gathering) for the saints (see Acts 9:13), as I commanded to the churches of Galatia (see Acts 7:44. Bengel says, "He proposes the Galatians as an example to the Corinthians, the Corinthians to the Macedonians [2 Cor. 9:2], and the Corinthians and Macedonians to the Romans [Rom 15:26]"), so do you also.
2 Upon the first day of the week (see John 20:1. Acts 20:7) let each one of you lay by him treasuring up (see Matt. 6:19), whatever he may be prospered in, in order that there be not gatherings when I come.
3 And when I come, whomsoever you shall approve them will I send with letters, these will I send to carry away your gift to Jerusalem. (Lit. grace. Cp. 2 Cor. 8:19)
4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
5 Now I will come to you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
6 And it may be that I will abide, yes, and winter with you, that you may bring me on my journey wheresoever I go. (see Acts 15:3)
7 For I will not see you now in passing; but I hope to tarry some time with you, if the Lord permit.
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. (See Act 2:1)
9 For a great door and effectual is opened to me (cp. Acts 14:27. 2 Cor. 2.12. Col. 4:3. Rev. 3:8. See for the facts, Acts 19:17-20), and there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timotheus shall have come, see that he may be with you fearlessly (Timothy was of a timid, shrinking disposition, and the apostle commends him to the support of the true believers at Corinth): for he works the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Let not any one therefore despise him (see Acts 4:11. Cp. 1 Tim. 4:12): but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come to me: for I look for him with the brethren. (Heb. 10:13. 1 Pet. 3:20. It is clear from these verses [10,11] that the letter was not sent by Timothy. He had already departed [4:17], and as he was to travel by a circuitous route, he might not arrive till after the receipt of the letter. See Ats 19:22. Paul was expecting him to be in time to return with the bearers of the letter, who were probably the 3 named in v.17.)
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I greatly exhorted him in order that he should come to you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come now; but he will come when he shall have leisure. (See Acts 17:21. So far from being jealous of the popularity of Apollos [1:12]. Paul urges him to visit Corinth. To him God's glory was the one object to be sought [3:5-7. Phil. 1:18])
13 Watch you (cp. Acts 20:31), stand fast (cp. Gal. 5:1. Phil. 1:27; 4:1. 1 Thess. 3:8. 2 Thess. 2:15) in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14 Let all your things be done in love (Gr. agape. Cp. 1 Pet. 4:8).
15 I beseech you, brethren, (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia (see Rom. 8:23; 16:5), and that they set themselves for the service to the saints,)
16 That you also subject yourselves to such, and to every one that works together with us, and laborers. (Mark 16:20. Rom. 8:28. 2 Cor. 6:1. Jas. 2:22)
17 I am glad at the presence of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: your lack they supplied.
18 For they gave rest to my spirit and yours: therefore recognize you them that are such.
19 The churches of Asia salute you (see Acts 20:1). Aquila (cp. Acts 18:2,18,26. Rom. 16:3. 2 Tim. 14:15) and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet you one another with a holy kiss. (See Rom. 16:16,&c.)
21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. (Cp. Col. 4:18. 2 Thess. 3:17. and see Rom. 16:22.)
22 If any one love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Maran-atha. (Chaldee, meaning our Lord has come, an exclamation of the approaching divine judgment.)
23 The grace of the Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1. The subject of vv. 35-54. is the manner of the resurrection. And the basis is, - as the plant to the seed, so spiritual body to natural body, &.: "then sows not the body that shall be [lit. come into existence], but a naked grain, as the case may be, of wheat [John 12:24], or of some one of the rest" [v.37].
2. But in v.39 is set forth differentiation as to "flesh" of of mundane organized beings; and in v.41 differentiation in glory [beauty] of the heavenly luminaries. Between these two is v.40, where the differentiation is commonly regarded as merely between "the resurrection body" and the body that now is. But is the contrast not rather between.
a. resurrection bodies fitted for life and activities "in the heavenlies", and
b. resurrection bodies fitted for life and activities on earth? [e.g. Matt. 19:28; cp. Ezek. 34:23; 37:21,&c.]
3. The contrast [differentiation] in v.39 concerns one thing only, i.e. "flesh". That in v.41 also concerns one thing only. Therefore, it is suggested, the contrast in v.40 is between resurrection bodies only, and not between resurrection [flesh and bones] bodies and natural [flesh and blood] bodies. If the glory [doxa] spoken of here is to be applied to the body that now is, where, alas! is the evidence of it?
4. As the resurrection is still future, the ellipses may be supplied and the verse rendered, thus: "And heavenly bodies [there will be] and earthly bodies; but one kind indeed [will be] the glory of the heavenly, and another kind that of the earthly.