1 Corinthians 16:13,14

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14. Let all your things be done in charity.”

Does St. Paul mean, as Hofmann thinks, that the Corinthians should do among themselves what they would have Apollos to come and do among them? No such reference seems to me to be indicated. The apostle is preparing to close; comp. 2 Corinthians 12:11. The terms are taken from the position of an army ready for battle. And first there must be watching, putting itself on guard against surprises by the enemy. The Corinthians were sunk in carnal security, and exposed to all the seductions which arise from it. They were above all prone to the abuse of Christian liberty; comp. 1 Corinthians 6:12 seq., 1 Corinthians 10:12-14, etc.

Then, to stand firm in the faith; to strengthen themselves in their spiritual position to hold their ground against the enemy. The point in question is undoubtedly faith in the atonement by the cross of Christ (chap. 1), and faith in the resurrection with all its moral consequences (chap. 15). The Christian who holds to his faith is like a soldier who does not leave the ranks, however sorely pressed by the enemy; it is the opposite of what is called in Greek λειποταξία.

To act like men and to be strong are two phrases which refer to the right mode of fighting; the former to courage, energy the subjective disposition; the latter to real force due to Divine aid the objective state. The ἀνδρίζεσθαι is opposed to cowardice, effeminacy; the κραταιοῦσθαι to the weakness which may sometimes accompany courage. The Corinthians lacked energy when they accepted invitations to idolatrous feasts; compare Paul's conduct, 1 Corinthians 9:27. They were wanting in spiritual power when they did nothing in the case of the incestuous person (chap. 5). But energy and power should be directed by charity. Here we have to think of the divisions (chaps. 1-4) and of the vain and egotistical use of spiritual gifts (chaps. 12-14); comp. chap. 13.

There follows a more special recommendation in regard to the respect and deference due to the devoted members of the Church who give themselves to its service.