What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:19? The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings • Paul is writing from Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:8), the chief city of the Roman province called “Asia.” • These congregations—including Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (Revelation 1:4, 11)—join Paul in extending personal love to the believers at Corinth. • Their greeting reminds us that the body of Christ is larger than any one fellowship. Just as Acts 19:10 records that “all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord,” so Christians today share a global kinship and responsibility to encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13). Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord • Aquila and Prisca (also called Priscilla) were Jewish tentmakers who first met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:2-3). Their partnership with him in ministry was deep and sacrificial (Romans 16:3-4). • “Warmly in the Lord” shows that genuine affection among believers is rooted in Christ, not mere sentimentality (Philippians 1:8). • Their greeting highlights constancy in friendship: years after leaving Corinth, they still care for the church there (2 Timothy 4:19). and so does the church that meets at their house • Early believers often gathered in homes (Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15; Phm 2). Aquila and Prisca offered their dwelling as a meeting place, demonstrating stewardship of their resources for gospel purposes. • A house church setting fostered close fellowship, mutual edification, and accountability (Acts 2:46-47). • Their example encourages every household to view its space as a potential hub for hospitality and ministry (1 Peter 4:9-10). summary Paul’s brief sentence in 1 Corinthians 16:19 weaves together three cords: the unity of geographically scattered churches, the enduring friendship of faithful co-laborers, and the warmth of believers who open their homes for worship. Together they paint a picture of a vibrant, interconnected, and loving body of Christ, urging us to maintain strong ties across congregations, cherish long-standing partnerships, and use our homes and resources for the advance of the gospel. |
    |