Paul almost certainly is responding to a pair of inquiries at this point, since the words now about (vv. 1, 12) identify topics that were brought to Paul’s attention by the letter or the delegates from Corinth. Paul discusses the collection he was assembling. He states some guidelines that the Corinthians may follow, and the principles inherent in his directions provide theological insight into Christian life. In turn, Paul mentions his future travel plans to inform the Corinthians of his situation and anticipated movements. His specific remarks may seem cryptic to later readers, but they are related to the seasonal conditions of travel in the first-century Mediterranean world. Finally, Paul refers to Timothy and Apollos. The statement about Timothy is apparently designed to provide the Co…