Stand Firm in the Faith

Paul closes with short commands: be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love. The sequence keeps courage from becoming aggression. Christian strength is alert, steady, and loving rather than loud or domineering.

Paul asks the Corinthians to submit to people like Stephanas and to everyone who joins in the work and labors. Stephanas' household was among the first converts in Achaia, and they devoted themselves to serving the saints. The church is to recognize faithful service, not merely impressive speaking.

Paul is glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have supplied what was lacking from the Corinthians. Their presence refreshed Paul's spirit and the church's spirit. He tells the Corinthians to recognize such people. Encouragement becomes specific when it names the workers whose care has strengthened others.

The churches of Asia send greetings, and Aquila and Priscilla greet the Corinthians with the church that meets in their house. Paul adds a greeting in his own hand and a serious warning: if anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed. The warning is not a casual curse against someone who has doubts or a bad day. It confronts settled rejection of the Lord whose grace the letter has proclaimed.

Paul's final words are “Our Lord, come!” and “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.” The letter has contained hard correction, but it ends with expectation, grace, and affection. A church can be called to repent without being abandoned.