1 Corinthians 16

set something aside, saving whatever he has prospered
While some translations marry the two ideas of “put aside and save,” Paul’s grammar distinguishes them. The first verb is an imperative, while the second is a participle which serves to explain what is set aside. The phrase that follows “whatever…” (ὅ τι ἐὰν…; ho ti ean…) functions as the direct object of the participle, and therefore the verb “saving” and the phrase “whatever he has prospered” are understood to be one clause that modifies the main verbal idea, expressing the manner in which the Corinthians should set something aside.

gracious gift
The word translated “gracious gift” here is χάρις (charis), which is different from the more common Greek word for gift, δῶρον (dōron). To distinguish the terms, “gracious” is added to those with the χάρις (charis) root, which often communicates the idea of “grace.” Here, the translation helps to show a connection to “grace” χάρις (charis) used repeatedly in 2 Corinthians 8, where Paul brings up the topic of the Corinthians’ monetary support for the church in Jerusalem. Paul wants to make known the grace of God that drives Christians’ grace toward one another, and this also plays into his larger theology of how God’s grace is sufficient.

wide and effective door
The translation “wide and effective door” better captures the Greek construction in which these characteristics are linked to one another (μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής; megalē kai energēs). With this translation, readers can see that Paul sees not only an open door and thus opportunity, but further, that this door is opened into a strategic and fertile field in which Paul can foresee much good to be done.

without fear
The phrase “without fear” more succinctly translates the word ἀφόβως (aphobōs; lit. “fearlessly”) than something like “without cause to be afraid.” This the how Timothy should be able to feel in the presence of the Corinthians. Thus, their manner in receiving him should involve no kind of intimidation or opposition that could make him fearful. Rather, their attitudes should demonstrate that he can interact with them with peace and joy.

brothers
Though some versions retain the older English plural, “brethren,” the translation “brothers” here is more natural to modern readers. This language describes the close familial union fellow believers have with one another by virtue of their union with Christ. Paul uses this term to remind the Corinthians of the familial union they and Paul have with all believers in Christ, and that their peaceful sending of Timothy will contribute to the cause of the gospel as they work together in familial unity in Christ.

brothers
Refer to the discussion on verse 11 above.

exhort
The term translated here as “exhort” (παρακαλέω; parakaleō) is the same used in 1 Corinthians 1:10 and 4:16, where Paul directly exhorts the Corinthians unto godliness. Since this passage matches those in that way, the translation has also been adjusted from “urge” to “exhort,” helping readers better sense how and when Paul uses the same term in order to call these saints to holiness.

recognize
The verb ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō) is translated here as “recognize” to maintain consistency with its previous occurrence in 14:37. Both there and here, it has the idea of thinking of something or someone according to its proper value. In 14:37, the Corinthians were to recognize the divine origin of Paul’s apostolic instruction. Here they are to properly recognize the value of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus as those who have well and lovingly ministered to Paul in their service to the Lord.

Maranatha
“Maranatha” is an Aramaic statement (מָרַנָא תָא; marana tha) meaning “Lord, come!” It is transliterated rather than translated here because Paul himself does not translate it from Aramaic to Greek, but simply transliterates the Aramaic phrase with Greek letters (μαράνα θά; marana tha). Paul uses the Aramaic pronunciation “Maranatha” as a wordplay because this sounds very similar to the Greek word “accursed” (ἀνάθεμα; anathema), used just prior. Like John at the end of Revelation (22:20), Paul’s reaction to the just consequences upon those who reject the Lord is a plea for His return to bring about final justice for His people and against His enemies. The intentional wordplay shows that this reaction is quite appropriate to the truth Paul just explained.