1 Corinthians 16:24

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timotheus.

1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)

Context

The apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, addressing divisions, moral failures, and questions about worship and the resurrection. In this final verse, he closes with a personal benediction that sums up his pastoral heart toward the believers he had founded in the faith.

Meaning

Paul’s words, “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen,” are more than a polite farewell. He expresses genuine affection for the Corinthians, extending it to every member of the congregation—rich and poor, strong and weak. His love is not a shallow sentiment or a carnal attachment; it is rooted in his union with Christ. The phrase “in Christ Jesus” shows that his love flows from the saving work of the Savior and is directed toward those who are also in Christ. This is a love that is gracious, forgiving, and sacrificial, not conditional or superficial.

The closing “Amen” functions as both a request and a confirmation. Paul desires that his love be with them, and he affirms that it is so. It is a prayerful seal on the entire letter, inviting readers to agree with his benediction.

Application

Believers today are called to love one another genuinely, even when differences and conflicts arise. Paul’s example challenges us to let our love be rooted in Christ, so that it can transcend human divisions and reflect the transformative power of the gospel. When we say “Amen” to this benediction, we join Paul in praying that God’s love and grace would be with all who belong to Christ.

Reflection

The verse also reminds us that the letter’s closing subscription—mentioning that it was written from Philippi by Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, and Timotheus—was added by a later hand. The epistle was actually written from Ephesus, as Paul indicates in 1 Corinthians 16:8. This detail does not change the meaning of the benediction, but it helps us read the verse accurately. Paul’s love for the Corinthians remains a model of Christian affection that is grounded in Christ and extended to all believers.