For the last time in his letter, Paul addresses the Corinthians in a deeply personal way. He gives a practical exhortation, based on the teaching of the whole chapter. (For a very similar exhortation, see Philippians 3:20 – 4:1.)
In light of the certainty of the resurrection, the Corinthians should be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
In the second part of the verse the work of the Lord
is described as labor.
The latter word signifies that, in this life, serving the Lord involves exertion, trouble, and fatigue. That is why believers need to be steadfast and immovable (see also 1 Corinthians 16:13). They should not allow the troubles or temptations of this world to pull them away from service to Christ.
Yet Paul urges the Corinthians to be even more than steadfast and immovable. They should be always abounding
in their work for the Lord. In the Greek the word always
is placed at the end of the clause, for the sake of emphasis.
The second part of the verse makes it clear that the believer’s work for the Lord is motivated by knowledge. We work because we know that our labour is not in vain
(or empty
). The phrase in the Lord
is a brief way of explaining why our labour is not in vain. Our labour is performed in our Lord Jesus Christ. His victory is our victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). His resurrection will soon be our resurrection. On that day we will receive from God a gracious reward for every work of faith and love that we have done (see also 1 Corinthians 3:8).
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.