1 Corinthians 16:24
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπη
love
G26
ἀγάπη
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
2 of 10
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
μετὰ
be with
G3326
μετὰ
be with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Historical Context
Paul's personal declaration of love counters the impression that his severe corrections indicated personal rejection. Ancient honor-shame culture made public criticism devastating, easily interpreted as personal enmity. Paul ensures the Corinthians understand: correction flows from love, not hostility. The letter's love inclusio—chapter 13 defines love, verse 24 declares it—shows that agape permeates everything, even painful correction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's declaration of love 'for all' reconcile with his harsh corrections throughout the letter?
- What's the significance of Paul's love being 'in Christ Jesus' rather than based on personal affection?
- Why does Paul end with personal love (v. 24) after pronouncing grace (v. 23)—how do grace and love relate?
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Analysis & Commentary
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen—Hē agapē mou meta pantōn hymōn en Christō Iēsou (ἡ ἀγάπη μου μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ). After pronouncing anathema on Christ-rejecters (v. 22), invoking grace (v. 23), Paul declares his personal agapē (ἀγάπη) for all the Corinthians—even those in rival factions, even those tolerating immorality, even those denying resurrection. Agapē doesn't require agreement or approval; it's covenantal commitment regardless of others' failures.
In Christ Jesus—En Christō Iēsou (ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ) grounds Paul's love in union with Christ, not personal affection or mutual compatibility. Christian love flows from Christ, is modeled on Christ (chapter 13), and exists within the Christ-community. Paul can love the troublesome Corinthians because he loves them in Christ, not based on their merit. Amen—Amēn (Ἀμήν), from Hebrew amen (אָמֵן, "truly, certainly"), seals the letter as prayer and affirmation.