I Corinthians 16:3

approve by your letters--rather translate, "Whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters": namely, letters to several persons at Jerusalem, which would be their credentials. There could be no need of letters from them before Paul's coming, if the persons recommended were not to be sent off before it. Literally, "by letters"; an abbreviated expression for "I will send, recommending them by letters" [GROTIUS]. If English Version be retained, the sense will be, "When I come, I will send those whom by your letters, then to be given them, ye shall approve." But the antithesis (opposition or contrast) to Paul himself (Co1 16:4) favors GROTIUS' view. So "by" means with (Rom 2:27); and the Greek for "by" is translated, with (Co2 2:4). liberality--literally, gracious or free gift (Co2 8:4).

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).