1 Corinthians 16: It takes a Team

If we didn’t have 1 Corinthians 16 and other chapters like it, our understanding of the advance of the gospel would be severely truncated. From our western, celebrity-obsessed culture, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that Paul alone was the missionary that put Christianity on the map in the first century. Though it would be difficult to underestimate the influence of his leadership in the Christian movement even to this day, his role was closer to a spokesperson for a movement of witnesses than the primary witness.

That should encourage us because in the community of Paul and on his team were regular people just like you and me. There was Timothy who wanted to serve God but struggled when opposed and needed a lot of encouragement. There was Apollos who was an activist and a communicator but needed to learn more about the Christian message. There was Stephanus and his large extended household who weren’t flashy but were genuine servants of Christ. Aquila and Priscilla served as Apollos mentors and extended themselves financially and in hospitality to spur the Christian movement. If you can’t identify with Paul, can you identify with these? Even better news—Jesus identifies with them and uses them and us by His Spirit to advance the movement of the gospel.

Some wise counsel comes from this passage regarding living in community:

· When it comes to money, people get funny. So over-explain, be diligent, and maintain proper accountability. (1-5)
· God opens doors for us for ministry. Keep our plans as loose as possible to allow room for the Spirit to change them. (5-9)
· It is important to be sensitive to how people hear you when you communicate. Timothy was sensitive and that was not just his problem, the Corinthians needed to bear responsibility for that as well. (10-11)
· Submit to the people you are supposed to submit to, not just the ones you want to submit to. (Submission when you feel like it isn’t actual submission). (15-18)
· A bunch of people meeting in a house can be called a church. Just don’t forget to submit to whom you are supposed to submit to. (19)