1 Corinthians 16:22, If Any Man Love Not the Lord Jesus Christ

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1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.

William MacDonald observed insightfully, “Paul’s personal note began with a passionate warning probably aimed at false teachers (cf. 12:3) whom he believed to be already present in the congregation (cf. 2 Cor. 11:3-4).”

He explained, “The verb love hphilei is related to the noun philêmata for “kiss” (1 Cor. 16:20). It expresses adoration and devotion, qualities absent in false brethren. Paul invoked God’s wrath on these false teachers (cf. Gal. 1:8-9) and in the same breath appealed to Christ to return (cf. Matt. 7:21-23; Rev. 22:20). Come, O Lord! renders the Greek words marana tha (“Maranatha”), which transliterate the Aramaic “Lord, come.””

May the Lord be gracious to protect His people. Amen.