I Corinthians 16:22

A solemn closing warning added in his own hand as in Eph 6:24; Col 4:18. the Lord--who ought to be "loved" above Paul, Apollos, and all other teachers. Love to one another is to be in connection with love to Him above all. IGNATIUS [Epistle to the Romans, 7] writes of Christ, "My love, has been crucified" (compare Sol 2:7). Jesus Christ--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. let him be Anathema--accursed with that curse which the Jews who call Jesus "accursed" (Co1 12:3) are bringing righteously on their own heads [BENGEL]. So far from "saluting" him, I bid him be accursed. Maranatha--Syriac for, "the Lord cometh." A motto or watchword to urge them to preparedness for the Lord's coming; as in Phi 4:5, "The Lord is at hand."

In this chapter the apostle, I. Gives directions about some charitable collection to be made in this church, for the afflicted and impoverished churches in Judea (Co1 16:1-4). II. He talks of paying them a visit (Co1 16:5-9). III. He recommends Timothy to them, and tells them Apollos intended to come to them (Co1 16:10-12). IV. He presses them to watchfulness, constancy, charity, and to pay a due regard to all who helped him and his fellow-labourers in their work (Co1 16:13-19). V. After salutations from others, and his own, he closes the epistle with a solemn admonition to them, and his good wishes for them (Co1 16:20 to the end).

16:22 To be cursed is to be condemned by God (see also Rom 9:3; Gal 1:8-9). • Our Lord, come! This phrase was sometimes used in early Christian prayers (see also Rev 22:20).