Our physical bodies, whether living or deceased, undergo decay. Just as the unrighteous are unfit to inherit the kingdom of God, our earthly bodies are also unsuitable for such inheritance. Therefore, God will transfigure the earthly bodies of believers into heavenly ones. Paul introduces a previously concealed mystery, now unveiled by God. Although not all believers will experience physical death, God will instantaneously transform the earthly bodies of every believer, both living and deceased, into heavenly bodies upon Christ's return. This is the essence of the mystery. In a split second, God will effect this transformation, signaled by the sounding of a trumpet, indicating the arrival of "the end" (Zech. 9:14; Matt. 24:31; 1 Thess. 4:16). God will resurrect deceased believers and transfigure their earthly bodies into heavenly bodies, while also transforming the earthly bodies of believers who are still alive. God has purposed to transform our perishable, mortal bodies, whether living or deceased, into imperishable, immortal bodies. 

Death will be overcome because of Christ's death and resurrection. By defeating death, Christ also defeats sin permanently. In the Garden of Eden, sin gained power through the law, leading to death. However, Christ's victory over sin ensures that God's law brings life to His people and does not empower sin. We are grateful to God for completely and permanently conquering death on our behalf through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. Believers can persevere, knowing their work is meaningful in the Lord's sight. Paul lovingly addresses the Corinthians as his dear brothers and sisters. Their work holds eternal value as God raised Christ and will raise believers.

Paul directs the church to allocate funds, and he outlines four conditions for this directive:

1. When? Every Sunday - presumably when the church gathers weekly to worship on the day of Jesus' resurrection.
2. With what purpose? To accumulate savings.
3. How much? "As he may prosper" determines the amount a believer should give, based on their income.
4. For what reason? So that Paul wouldn't have to collect funds for the Jerusalem church upon his arrival in Corinth.

The Corinthian church should appoint individuals to deliver their donations to the church in Jerusalem, and Paul intends to provide introductory letters for their use once they reach Jerusalem. Paul may join them on the journey. 

Paul is sharing his travel plans for himself, Timothy, and Apollos. He intends to travel through Macedonia and possibly stay with the Corinthians, who can support his next journey. Paul wants to spend more time with the Corinthians because he loves them and doesn't want to rush his visit. However, he acknowledges that his plans are subject to the Lord's permission. In the meantime, Paul plans to stay in Ephesus, where God is providing opportunities for effective service despite facing opposition. 

Considering that some Corinthians may not show respect to Paul, he expresses concern about how they might treat his young representative. Therefore, Paul urges the Corinthians to receive Timothy hospitably, as he is engaged in the same pastoral work as Paul. Paul asks them to "put him at ease," possibly because Timothy is prone to fear. The Corinthians should respect Timothy and send him off "in peace" so that he can return to Paul in due course. In their letter to Paul, the Corinthians apparently requested a visit from Apollos. Paul encourages Apollos to visit them but understands that Apollos will go when the time is right.

• "Be watchful" for anything that could move them away from the gospel. 
• "Stand firm in the faith," reminding them not to give up. "The faith" is the core truths Christians affirm. 
• "Act like men, be strong." It takes courage to believe and live counterculturally.
• "Let all that you do be done in love." What Paul has written about spiritual gifts applies to the entire letter. 

Paul encourages the Corinthians to yield to leaders in the church, like Stephanas, who dedicate themselves to serving the Lord. Paul commends three individuals from the Corinthian church for their uplifting visit to him. Expressing his love for the Corinthians, Paul asserts that these individuals have compensated for their absence. He urges the Corinthians to acknowledge and appreciate "such people." 

The Corinthians are encouraged to greet one another with a holy kiss, which Peter refers to as "the kiss of love" (1 Pet. 5:14). In the Greco-Roman culture, it was common for family members to greet each other with a kiss. When believers in the Lord welcome one another, their greeting is considered holy. The underlying principle is that brothers and sisters in Christ should greet each other affectionately, adapting to culturally appropriate ways. Paul personally writes a greeting to the Corinthians, taking the pen from his amanuensis.

In conclusion, Paul makes four requests in his prayer:

1. He solemnly warns the Corinthians not to rebel against his teachings and prays for those who do not love the Lord.
2. He prays for the Lord's return.
3. He asks for the grace of the Lord Jesus to be with them.
4. He expresses his love for the Corinthians in Christ Jesus.