1 Corinthians 16:17-24

1 Cor 16:17 (KJV)
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

Paul was joyful when these three brethren had arrived at Ephesus to see him. Fortunatus and Achaicus are not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture but these may have been two of Paul’s most valued helpers from Corinth who came to him with Stephanas when his visit was complete. The Church at Corinth was unable to send him what he was lacking, but it sounds like maybe it was a good report of the Corinthian Church and these three had delivered a letter from the church at Corinth to Paul. Paul was not speaking of money in this case. Paul was always glad to receive the brethren, especially when they brought good news. (Prov 25:25 KJV) As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

 

1 Cor 16:18(KJV)
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

They refreshed the spirit of Paul by being representatives of the church at Corinth. They also put to rest the fears that the Corinthians may have had concerning various things. Paul was requesting the church of Corinth to receive these brethren back into fellowship when they return with his letter plus they should also respect the guidance that they may bring in certain matters.
 

1 Cor 16:19 (KJV)
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Paul wanted the Church at Corinth to know that they are bound together in the Lord and are all brethren. He wanted them to feel they were part of the greater fellowship of true churches. Aquila and Priscilla and the church in their home had sent warm greetings to the church at Corinth.
 

1 Cor 16:20 (KJV)
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

All the Christians in Ephesus were sending greetings to the church at Corinth. To greet one with a holy kiss was a custom still in vogue today. It is a kiss on the cheek and not meant to be a sensual kiss. Knowing that this letter was going to Corinth where immorality ran high, he wanted to make sure that if they greet each other with a kiss, it must be a holy kiss and not one of a sexual nature.

 

1 Cor 16:21 (KJV)
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

Paul normally had someone write the letters for him but he always made sure that he personally signed them.

 

1 Cor 16:22 (KJV)
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

Those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ are those who are unsaved and this is why Paul says they are “anathema” which means “accursed.” He ends with “Maranatha” which means “The Lord is coming.”

 

1 Cor 16:23 (KJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Paul wanted the church at Corinth to be bathed in the grace of Christ. Grace is a synonym for salvation, for one is saved only by the grace of God. Grace also under girds the strength of the believer as it had in the life of the Apostle Paul on many occasions. This signature was common in his epistles giving it the genuine love which pervaded the whole life of Paul.

 

1 Cor 16:24 (KJV)
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Paul was giving his heart to these Corinthians by telling them he loved them. It was the true reason of Paul’s motivation in helping this church. Paul’s love for the brethren is shown throughout his life in what he endured for the sake of the churches.

AMEN

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