1 Corinthians 16:1  “…the collection for the saints…”
The Christians in Jerusalem were in need.  Paul mentions other churches in his letters that had sent support.  Fitting that early examples of Christian mission show not only people going, but some sending funds to support the work.  Both are needed.

7  “…I do not wish to see you now on the way…hope to stay a while…”
He doesn’t want it to be a quick visit on the way somewhere else, but to spend some amount of time there.

8  “…Pentecost”
The Greek term for the fiftieth day after Passover.  Jews held the Feast of Weeks, seven Sabbaths or weeks after First Fruits following Passover which would be forty-nine days.  The next day would be the Feast of Weeks.  The one after the Passover when Christ died was the one on which the Holy Spirit was first given to believers.  Checked the dictionary definition of Pentecost.  It is listed as a Christian festival celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter to commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.  I find that interesting.  I know the early church at some point fixed the date to celebrate Easter as the first Sunday following the first full moon after the first day of Spring, so it doesn’t always fall with Passover each year.  Thus, Pentecost may not fall on the Feast of Weeks.  I know the fact that we remember what happened and celebrate it is more important than exactly when we do it, but it makes more sense to me to keep it associated with the Jewish dates as what happened was the fulfillment of the reasons for the feasts.  Some have speculated that God may choose the birthday of the first church to return for His family, which is considered to be that first Pentecost after Christ’s resurrection.  If that is the case, wonder which one He would pick, the Feast of Weeks or the fiftieth day after Easter?

9  “…great and effective door has opened to me…”
God had opened a door of opportunity for ministry.  What we still want to do today.  Be watchful for what doors God opens, then be sure to be obedient and walk through them.

9  “…many adversaries”
Usually are, if we are in His will.  I like the analogy of being in a river.  If we’re moving downstream, there’s no resistance to our movement.  But if we’re trying to go against the current, we face the resistance of the water.  Our adversary doesn’t bother us if we’re not bothering him.  But if we’re doing God’s will, we’ll face some resistance.

10-11  “…Timothy…see that he may be with you without fear…let no one despise him…”
Checked the commentary.  Could be several reasons for this statement from Paul.  I just found it interesting that there are several comments by Paul in his letters either to Timothy or about him that refer to timidity or fear.  Wonder if Timothy was somewhat shy or if he was concerned he wouldn’t be taken seriously because of his youthfulness?  He was obviously an earnest follower of Christ and a good worker.  Nice to realize how God chooses to use us even with our own quirks and issues.

14  “Let all that you do be done with love.”
Perfect motivation.

17  “…Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus…”
May have brought the letter to Paul from the Corinthians, and may be the ones delivering Paul’s letter back.

21  “The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.”
Commentary mentioned this suggests Paul dictated the rest of the letter, so he would have added this to show the letter was indeed from him.  He mentioned earlier that there was the possibility of false letters being received by someone claiming to be him.

22  “…O Lord, come!”
Or the Lord comes.  Maranatha!

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.