AM Aug 9th 1Cor 16

August 9th

13: Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14: Let all your things be done with charity. 15: I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16: That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 17: I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18: For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. 19: The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20: All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. 21: The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. 22: If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. 23: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24: My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

And so Paul brings this letter to the Corinthian church to an end. He says lookout!  And stand firm in the faith. (‘The Faith’ is the whole doctrine of the gospel) He says be men and be strong in Christ. Paul says let everything you do be done in love. Then he says, I plead with you that you submit yourselves to the household of Stephanus. They were the first converts to Christ in Greece. And they are totally obsessed with serving the believers in the ministry of the Word. Submit to them and to all of my helpers in this great work for Christ. I am really pleased for you that Stephanus, Fortunatus and Achaicus have come to you because they will be able to make up what was lacking. They are like a breath of fresh air to me and to you all, so receive them with due respect. The churches of Asia where l am now, send their greetings. Aquila and Priscilla send their greetings with the church who meet in their house. All the brethren here send their greetings. Greet each other with a reverent kiss in Christ. This final best wishes is written with my own hand. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ then let the judgment of God come upon him and may the Lord soon come. May the unmerited kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And my love be with you all in Christ Jesus. So may God do this.