Chapter 16 is the final chapter of this letter of Paul. He touches on generosity and giving to believers in need, as well as showing respect and love to those who work hard in the Lord, such as Timothy. Paul also mentioned his important plans to visit Corinth in person. He closes off the letter with an urging to do everything in love, which is an echo of the great chapter 13.
In verse 21, Paul signs the letter with his own hand, rather than with the help of a scribe who was probably his assistant, wherein Paul most likely dictated the content to be written down. Paul’s own handwriting was the mark of genuine authorship, for the churches to whom he wrote, such as Corinth. If we work with coworkers for some length of time in an office setting, we may begin to recognize the handwriting of some people specifically. It was the same with Paul’s handwriting. The verse is extremely brief, but it means that 1 Corinthians is genuinely a letter that can be attributed to the Apostle Paul without a doubt.
In verse 22, the apostle declares that anyone who truly does NOT love the Lord is cursed. It is a very strong statement, to say that anyone who does not love the Lord is cursed. “Anathema” is the Greek word for curse which is used here. Paul believed strongly that a person who hates the Lord or decides not to love the Lord has nothing right in him.
Then Paul expresses the longing of the church, that Jesus would come again and take the Church to be with Him. “Our Lord, Come!” can be understood to mean our Lord is coming, or can be understood as our Lord will come again. But it is probably closest in meaning to Revelation 22:20, “Even so, come Lord Jesus”. In Revelation, we have the prophetic message given to Saint John, which reveals the longing of the Church through all ages, that Jesus will come again. The meaning that Paul expressed is nearly the same and speaks to the glorious appearing which will be a future, actual, physical return of Christ in unimaginable glory and power.
Verse 23 promises the grace of the Lord to those who love Him; grace is an undeserved gift or favor. It means that the Lord is present with His children and continually strengthens them by His grace that is unmerited.
Finally, in verse 24 Paul expresses his love for all brothers and sisters in the Lord who were situated at Corinth to receive this letter.
Application:
1 Corinthians 16 closes off the book and reveals some of Paul’s reason for writing. There are not very much complimentary statements from Paul for this church, as they were very puffed up with pride and tolerant of sin. The letter should cause us to search our hearts carefully so that we can live more pleasing to the Lord.
As we see that those who ultimately decide to reject the Lord will be cursed, we need to make the most of every opportunity to extend the mercy of God to the people that we meet. If we follow the example of Paul, we cannot go wrong: He constantly worked to allow others to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. In our city, Houston, it is easy to be swept away by the deceitfulness of riches. It is ok to have wealth, but a person cannot love money and love God. Instead, eagerly desire that Jesus would come quickly while serving Him with your whole heart.
Prayer:
Lord, You are the glorious God who created all things, but we sinned against You and turned away from You. Thank you for the good news that is in Jesus the Son of God. I truly believe that You are the Savior of the world and that You paid for my sin. You are coming again in glorious power. Let me grow in Your grace and truth so that I will be ready when You come again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
City Life Starter 
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