(Deuteronomy 4:2 [KJV]) Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I
command you.
(Proverbs 30:5, 6 [KJV]) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
(Isaiah 28:10 [KJV])
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
(Isaiah 28:13 [KJV])
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
(2 Peter 1:20 [KJV])
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
All of the studies, book or topical, found here, are done with research with mainly two things: The KING JAMES BIBLE and a plain old, 1828 Webster's Dictionary. Why? Outside of actually studying secular and Jewish history, archaeology, one needs nothing more. You do not need foreign, dead languages that no one speaks, lexicons, concordances or commentaries, because they differ not only with one another and with the KING JAMES BIBLE, but they create division, confusion, debate, and unbelief. We do not need them. That Word of God written and preserved for us in our own language is supposed to be enough, like the Old Testament was for the Jews, and the New Testament for the early Christians in Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, German, etc. There are studies within as tangents on words, subjects found within the two testaments, as to broaden the scope of the study, to learn more, deeper truths. This is not an intellectual site with PhDs, theologians, and no worldly wisdom.. Check everything out, everything. Not just here, but with everything you read and see and hear. Be Bereans:
(Acts 17:11 [KJV])
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Always research for yourself, use all of the context, and never privately interpret!
CORINTH: RICH GREEK CITY/STATE
(Acts 18:1 [KJV])
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
(Acts 18:8 [KJV])
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
(Acts 19:1,2 [KJV])
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
(1 Corinthians 1:2 [KJV])
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
(2 Corinthians 1:1 [KJV])
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
(2 Corinthians 1:23 [KJV])
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
(2 Corinthians 6:11 [KJV])
O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
(2 Timothy 4:20 [KJV])
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Lots of good, fresh water
Lots of good, arable soil
Lots of good clay for ceramics, pottery, etc., hence "Corinthian Pottery"
Shops, fountains, carved stone temples to the Greek gods, porticos, metal workshops abounded
As a part of a major shipping lane, Corinth has four ports, on the Gulf of Corinth, between two seas
A temple to Apollo was there
Another temple was one to Aphrodite, an acropolis known as Acrocorinth, which was associated with prostitutes for the seafaring men, which made it a rich
city
Perusing the two letters Paul wrote to them, it is obvious that they were apostate and backslidden.
1 CORINTHIANS 16: GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING THE MINISTRY
(1 Corinthians 16:1 [KJV])
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
There is no difference here, church to church
As was said earlier about the congregational meetings, so here about order
This collection is for the saints, not the hierarchy
(1 Corinthians 14:40 [KJV])
Let all things be done decently and in order.
(1 Corinthians 16:2 [KJV])
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.
The first day of the week is Sunday, not "the Sabbath"
Bring all of the offering together, gathered into one safe place, as good stewards, guarding it by a trustworthy person, trustworthy people
As God hath prospered him, more for and from some, less for and from others
As God hath prospered, not by our own doings
(1 Corinthians 16:3 [KJV])
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
This is trusting in faithful, trustworthy people
This is trusting in the same finding more of the same (whom ye shall approve)
(1 Corinthians 16:4 [KJV])
And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
Whatever the need was, if able, Paul was always willing to meet it
(1 Corinthians 16:5-7 [KJV])
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
Philippi was the chief city in Macedonia
It was common for Paul and his direct disciples to go there, stay there, pass through there, etc.
MACEDONIA, IN PAUL'S DAY
Paul was called by night in a dream to Macedonia
Philippi was the capital city
Macedonia was a place to escape to when Paul preached and the people went into a rage, causing a riot
Later, they had problems in the same manner there
(Acts 16:9 [KJV])
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
(Acts 16:10 [KJV])
And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
(Acts 16:12 [KJV])
And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
(Acts 18:5 [KJV])
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
(Acts 19:21 [KJV])
After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
(Acts 19:22 [KJV])
So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
(Acts 19:29 [KJV])
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
(Acts 20:1 [KJV])
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
(Acts 20:3 [KJV])
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
(Acts 27:2 [KJV])
And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
(Romans 15:26 [KJV])
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
(2 Corinthians 1:16 [KJV])
And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
(2 Corinthians 2:13 [KJV])
I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
(2 Corinthians 7:5 [KJV])
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
(2 Corinthians 8:1 [KJV])
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
(2 Corinthians 9:2 [KJV])
For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
(2 Corinthians 9:4 [KJV])
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
(2 Corinthians 11:9 [KJV])
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
(Philippians 4:15 [KJV])
Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
(1 Thessalonians 1:7 [KJV])
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
(1 Thessalonians 1:8 [KJV])
For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
(1 Thessalonians 4:10 [KJV])
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
(1 Timothy 1:3 [KJV])
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
(1 Corinthians 16:8 [KJV])
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
(Acts 18:19 [KJV])
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
(Acts 18:21 [KJV])
But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
(Acts 18:24 [KJV])
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
(Acts 19:1 [KJV])
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
(Acts 19:17 [KJV])
And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
(Acts 19:26 [KJV])
Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
(Acts 19:35 [KJV])
And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
(Acts 20:16 [KJV])
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
(Acts 20:17 [KJV])
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
(1 Corinthians 15:32 [KJV])
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
(Ephesians 1:1 [KJV])
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
(1 Timothy 1:3 [KJV])
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
(2 Timothy 1:18 [KJV])
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
(2 Timothy 4:12 [KJV])
And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
(Revelation 1:11 [KJV])
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
(Revelation 2:1 [KJV])
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
PENTECOST
Fourth of the seven Feasts of the Lord
The Jews, in springtime, celebrate first Passover, then the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the feast of First Fruits, then the Pentecost, then, in the Fall, they celebrate the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles
(1 Corinthians 16:9 [KJV])
For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
A lesson to be learned here is that, when God opens a door wide, the enemy wants it closed, or those who are on that side to not hear the Gospel
The most effective way to distract and gain a huge following is through people, especially influential people
Add to that, tickling the ears, being a great orator, teaching only what is completely inoffensive, going unchallenged by the sheeple, always and attacking anyone who dies
(1 Corinthians 16:10 [KJV])
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Let Timotheus do his job peacefully
Let him correct the false doctrines, teachings, as a lamb
Because? He works the work of the LORD, as opposed to the opposers, the adversaries, the wolves
(Luke 10:3 [KJV])
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
(1 Corinthians 16:11 [KJV])
Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
They here are instructed to stop all attackers against the truth
This is because they had so much error to correct, which meant so much opposition to the work of God, that Paul knew what would be coming
The only reason to say "that he may come unto me" is because they could possibly have even imprisoned him or maybe even killed him, these opposers
(1 Corinthians 16:12 [KJV])
As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Both Timotheus and Apollos...."with the brethren", as in fellowship, working in concert, together, united in Christ, same goal
In God's appointed time, few hands, lots of work, this being the reason to pray, disciple, raise up leaders and laborers
THE LABORERS AND THE HARVEST
(Matthew 9:37,38 [KJV])
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
(Luke 10:2 [KJV])
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
(John 4:35 [KJV])
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
(1 Corinthians 16:13 [KJV])
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
We should stand for the truth against all oppositions of it, strongly, steadfastly, feet implanted and rooted in the truth
This is because truth exposes error, truth entices error to oppose it via the enemy, the enemies, those in error
This is because many are affected by these heresies, they run rampant in thee churches, because few challenge them, most sit and listen, absorb, follow and fall away
This is because we as leaders have a job to do to defend against error, protect the flock as overseers, shepherds and because wolves are not defeated by sheep, but more aggressive protectors, armed with the two-edged sword to kill them, repel them, drive them off from the sheep
This is because many sheep do not know how to use the sword, and the wolves are relentless, returning again and again, working for the enemy of the Cross of Christ
(Matthew 7:15 [KJV])
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
(Luke 11:39 [KJV])
And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
(Acts 20:27-30 [KJV])
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
(1 Corinthians 16:14 [KJV])
Let all your things be done with charity.
In context, this verse means to do this, but knowing wolves are not nice, wolves enter in, not sparing flocks, relentlessly, we must lovingly make the sheep more important than any wolves
One cannot lovingly chase off a wolf from a ravenous flock
(1 Corinthians 16:15, 16 [KJV])
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,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
The 60s drug culture in this country has made the word "addicted" mean something bad, which was never the original meaning of the word
If they are working with Paul, they are on the good side, so "do not hinder them"
Ministry servants can always use help to get more done for more saints
ADDICT', a. Addicted. [Not much used.] ADDICT', v.t. [L. addico, to devote, from ad and dico, to dedicate.]
To apply one's self habitually; to devote time and attention by customary or constant practice; sometimes in a good sense.
They have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. 1 Cor 15.
More usually, in a bad sense, to follow customarily, or devote, by habitually practicing that which is ill; as, a man is addicted to intemperance.
To addict one's self to a person, a sense borrowed from the Romans, who used the word for assigning debtors in service to their creditors, is found in Ben Jonson, but is not legitimate in English.
(1 Corinthians 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.
Rejoicing over the care of the saints.........Paul went from careless, callous to caring, tending, shepherding the flock
(1 Corinthians 16:18 [KJV])
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
We drink water, eat food to refresh our body
We should see others being provided for, having their spirits refreshed as something to refresh our spirits
(1 Corinthians 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.
The churches of Asia are many here
A church in their house is what is soon coming to America, which will be foreign to many, and will alienate many who look for a special "church building"
A church in one's house is less formal, more suitable for study, fellowship, breaking of bread, discipleship, etc.
(1 Corinthians 16:20 [KJV])
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
Fellowship, sweet fellowship, pure fellowship, from afar or close in, always important
(1 Corinthians 16:21 [KJV])
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
It has been supposed that the affliction was Paul's eyesight, but nothing is known for sure
If so, dictation would have been his rule, perhaps this letter, in part or in whole, would be the exception to that practice
(2 Corinthians 12:7-10 [KJV])
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
(1 Corinthians 16:22 [KJV])
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
And accursed (Anathema) they shall be
That is the meaning of the word, not the Roman Catholic version of it
Webster's 1828: "MARANA'THA, n. The Lord comes or has come; a word used by the apostle Paul in expressing a curse. This word was used in anathematizing persons for great crimes; as much as to say, "may the Lord come quickly to take vengeance on thee for thy crimes."
ANATH'EMA, n. [Gr. to place behind, backward or at a distance, to separate.]
Excommunication with curses. Hence, a curse or denunciation by ecclesiastical authority, accompanying excommunication. This species of excommunication was practiced in the ancient churches, against notorious offenders; all churches were warned not to receive them; all magistrates and private persons were admonished not to harbor or maintain them, and priests were enjoined not to converse with them, or attend their funeral. There are two kinds of anathemas, judiciary and abjuratory. The former is pronounced by a council, pope or bishop; the latter is the act of a convert who anathematizes the heresy which he abjures.
In heathen mythology, an offering, or present made to some deity and hung up in a temple. Whenever a person quitted his employment, he set apart, or dedicated his tools to his patron-deity. Persons
who had escaped danger remarkably, or been otherwise very fortunate, testified their gratitude by some offering to their deity.
(1 Corinthians 16:23,24 [KJV])
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Grace, love, LORD Jesus Christ...it all fits together like a puzzle
