Kress Biblical Resources :: The Wisdom of the Cross and Concluding Remarks (1Co 16:5-24)

Detailed Outline of 1 Corinthians

The Wisdom of the Cross Purifies and Unites Believers, the Wisdom of the World Pollutes and Divides

11. The wisdom of the cross and concluding remarks (1Co 16:5-24)
    1. Plans and their communication are important for an effective gospel ministry (1Co 16:5-12)
       1. Clarity and flexibility communicated—the plan concerning Paul’s intended visit (1Co 16:5-9)
          1. The plan was unambiguous but not inflexible (1Co 16:5-7)
             1. Clarity of intention (1Co 16:5)
             2. Conveyance of desire (1Co 16:6-7a)
             3. Cognizant of God’s sovereignty (1Co 16:7b)
          2. The plan was intentional in pursuing the outcome but not ignorant of the opposition (1Co 16:8-9)
             1. The place and time—Ephesus until Pentecost (1Co 16:8)
             2. The purpose—effective ministry (1Co 16:9a)
             3. The problems—extensive opposition (1Co 16:9b)
       2. Concern and preparation communicated—the plan concerning Timothy’s probable visit (1Co 16:10-11)
          1. A probable visit to Corinth (1Co 16:10a)
          2. A possibility of fear in Corinth (1Co 16:10b)
          3. A peaceful and respectful sendoff from Corinth (1Co 16:11)
       3. Confidence in the Spirit’s leading of others communicated—the plan concerning Apollos’s future visit (1Co 16:12)
          1. The ministry direction Paul gave Apollos (1Co 16:12a)
          2. The ministry decision Apollos made (1Co 16:12b)
    2. Personal relationships and their communication are important for an effective gospel ministry (1Co 16:13-24)
       1. Exhortations to foster relational harmony and effective ministry (1Co 16:13-18)
          1. Stay alert spiritually (1Co 16:13a)
          2. Stand firm in the faith (1Co 16:13b)
          3. Show yourself to be spiritually courageous (1Co 16:13c)
          4. Stay strong in the Lord (1Co 16:13d)
          5. Saturate everything you do with love (1Co 16:14)
          6. Submit to those who have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints (1Co 16:15-16)
             1. The call to remember the longevity and devotion of Stephanas’ household’s ministry (1Co 16:15)
             2. The call to be subject to such men (1Co 16:16)
          7. Show honor to those who encourage others and meet ministry needs (1Co 16:17-18)
             1. The ministry of support and encouragement (1Co 16:17-18a)
             2. The mandate to recognize such men (1Co 16:18b)
       2. Epistolary greetings and prayers to foster relational unity and eschatological anticipation (1Co 16:19-24)
          1. The encouragement of final greetings (1Co 16:19-21)
             1. They were embraced by a large coalition of churches (1Co 16:19a)
             2. They were embraced by Aquila and Prisca and the church in their house (1Co 16:19b)
             3. They were embraced by all true believers (1Co 16:20b)
             4. Therefore, they were to embrace each other (1Co 16:21)
          2. The encouragement of final prayers (1Co 16:22-24)
             1. A prayer of imprecation—justice (1Co 16:22a)
             2. A prayer of anticipation—glory (1Co 16:22b)
             3. A prayer of intercession—grace (1Co 16:23)
             4. A personal encouragement—the Apostle’s love (1Co 16:24)