(Tap footnote to read it. Old Testament quotations are underlined. "Love" with a caret ("^love") is agapé.1"agapé" The Greek words ἀγάπη (agapé, noun), and ἀγαπάω (agapaó; verb) are typically translated "love". However, unlike our English word "love" – which primarily speaks of affection and feelings – agapé centers on choice and behavior. It’s the "love" based on will, choice, behavior, and action; not feelings. (Feelings-based love is the Greek word φιλέω (phileó), which properly means "brotherly love/affection".) Thus, you could hate someone passionately and still treat him with "agapé". Agapé "love" is best understood as the pursuit of what is most beneficial to someone or something, regardless of the cost to yourself or the type of response received from the person or thing. It can also indicate a preference for someone or something over other things. )
The Collection for the Saints
- Now, about the collection for the saints.1We know from elsewhere in Bible that this collection was for the poor believers in Jerusalem. This is almost certainly because of the famine prophetically predicted in Acts 11:28. In Acts 11:29-30 they decided to take up a collection for the relief of the brothers in Judea. In verse 30, Barnabas and Paul (still called “Saul” there) were put in charge of collecting it. Just as I directed the churches in Galatia, you also do likewise.
- Every first of the week, let each of you set something aside, saving if he prospers so that there aren’t any collections when I come.
- And when I arrive, then whomever you approve of, I will send these men with letters to carry your gift2“gift” The Greek word here is “χάρις” (charis), most often translated “grace” or “gift”. It was a technical term in the 1st century, referring to the Patronage system in place. The Patron (from “pater” = “father”) would give gifts or do favors (both called a charis) for someone. A charis was always given/done freely to anyone who would be grateful for it, and this person then became a “client” of the patron. The clients were expected to reciprocate by telling everyone what the patron had done, and offering their services to the patron whenever the patron needed them. This reciprocal act was also called “charis”, and the ones who reciprocated were “being faithful”. Both were done out of gratitude, not legal obligation. A client who wasn’t faithful and grateful probably wouldn’t receive any more charis from his patron, or any other patrons. The patron was responsible for taking care of all his clients, and making sure their needs were met. Christian Grace and Faith is well picture by this system. The Heavenly Patron (God the Father) freely gave a gift (Jesus’ blood), and the clients who accept it (Christians) are expected to “be faithful” out of gratitude. to Jerusalem.
- And if it’s appropriate for me also to go, they will travel with me.
- Now, I’ll come to you after I travel through Macedonia, for I’m traveling through Macedonia.
- Then perhaps I will remain with you, or perhaps I’ll even spend the winter so you might equip me for wherever I might travel.
- For I don’t want to see you only in passing right now. Indeed, I hope to remain with you some time, if the Lord allows.
- But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost.
- For a great and effective door has opened to me, and many are opposing it.
Closing Exhortations
- Now if Timothy comes, see that he becomes without fear toward you, for he’s doing the Lord’s work, just as I also am.
- Therefore, no one should treat him with contempt, but equip him in peace so he might come to me, for I expect him with the brothers.
- Now about the brother Apollos. I greatly encouraged him so he should go to you with the brothers, and it was altogether not his will that he comes now; but he will come when he has a good opportunity.
- Be vigilant; stand firm in the faith; act like men; become strong.
- Let all things you do be done in ^love.
- Now I encourage you brothers. You *know the household of Stephanas, that it’s the firstfruit of Achaia,3“Achaia” was a province of Rome which included most of Greece. and they devoted themselves to the service of the saints.
- So you also, submit yourselves to men like these, and to every man working together and laboring.
- But I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus because these men filled the void you left,
- for they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, recognize men like these.
- The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca4“Prisca” is the proper form of “Priscilla”, the latter being more informal and familiar. greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church at their house.
- All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
- This greeting is by my own hand – Paul.
- If someone doesn’t love5“love” the Greek word for love here isn’t the usual “ἀγαπάω” (agapao), which is the verb form of “ἀγάπη” (agape,); see footnote before the chapter. Here it’s “φιλέω” (phileó) which indicates brotherly affection and warm feelings of friendship or intimacy. the Lord, let him be anathema.6“anathema” likely because of the Bible, this Greek word has entered the English vocabulary. In Greek it literally means to curse someone, and more specifically to offer a curse on them to devote them to God’s destruction. It can also have the connotation of being abominable and/or detestable. Our Lord, come!7“Our Lord, come!” this is an Aramaic phrase transliterated into Greek. It very likely refers to judgement, as the phrase “come” is often applied to mean “come in judgement” in both the Old and New Testaments.
- The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
- My ^love is with all of you in the Anointed Jesus. [Amen.]
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