The concluding chapter of this letter deals with different practical matters, some greetings and some final guidance and encouragement.

A collection was to be made to help the believers in Jerusalem who were struggling materially (v1-4). The practice of regularly storing up beforehand for future need is good practice for any church.

Paul speaks of his plans to visit the church in Corinth again(v6-9) but encourages them to receive Timothy well who appears to have been fairly timid (v5-11).

Paul encourages the believers to stand firm and to act in love (v13-14). Paul speaks of being refreshed by believers (v17-18) and this is the purpose of him writing this letter, to refresh the Corinthians so they will persevere.

Paul finishes with both a challenge to love the Lord (v22) and his desire for these believers to experience grace and love (v23-24). This is what Paul’s ministry was all about and wonderfully we still benefit from it today through his writings. Be encouraged and strengthened in these writings of scripture.