Paul concludes his letter to the congregation at Corinth with an instruction, a personal request, and final greetings.
The Corinthian congregation met on the first day of the week, the day after the Sabbath, our Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the grave, and the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was sent. (2; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10) Paul told them to gather together money to help the believers in Jerusalem and collect it during their regular Sunday meetings. (1-2) Judah, where poor persecuted Christians lived, was experiencing a severe drought. (Acts 8:1, 11:28, 44 or 46 A.D.) They were to plan and prepare according to their income to help fellow Christians. Helping other believers is a good part of life in Jesus.
Paul also encouraged hospitality toward traveling believers, such as Timothy, whom he was sending to them to deliver this letter. (10-11, 15-17) At times, I was stationary for many years and accepted others into my abode. Other times, I moved here and there often. Once in 15 months, I stayed at 8 different places. Some for a few days, others longer, and still others I visited more than once. Some of these times, the Lord’s people and family welcomed me in. Most of the time, I was alone renting. A few times, I had guests. It is good to open my home and share time with believers.
