Articles
Contribution - 1 Cor. 16
Contribution - 1 Cor. 16
1. There WAS a collection.
2. It was for the Saints. Every scripture that mentions this collection indicates it was not a general collection for general benevolence, but specific for the needs of the saints. (Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8-9).
3. Such was directed - taught by the Apostle
a. As I directed. Cp. 1 Cor. 14:37, etc.
4. Such was universal - being the same as taught to the churches (plural) of Galatia
a. AS I directed the churches of Galatia.. so do you also cp 4:6;
b. This collection also mentioned in Rom. 15:26; 2Cor. 8-9.
5. First day of the week
This is the first piece of evidence to show that Christians observed that day, though there is no reason to doubt that it was their custom from the first (cf. John 20:19, 26; Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10). [Leon Morris, 1C, and introduction and commentary… Logos edition]
6. First day of EVERY WEEK…
7. Each one of you
8. ‘Put aside’ - NOT just at home.. for that makes no sense concerning the first day of the week and the use of the word ‘collection’ nor the teaching that Paul did NOT want a collection taken at the last minute..
Some have suggested that this offering was to be kept at home, but Paul’s mention of setting it aside on Sunday (the day when the believers met together for worship—see Acts 20:7) probably means that the believers were to bring the amount that had been set aside that week and place it in a special offering at church. [Life Application Bible Commentary, Barton., Logos edition]
9. As prosper –
First century ‘pay day’ would have been ‘each day’; and week earnings for most people were NOT standard: some weeks went well, some weeks it didn’t.
10. NOT a percentage or stipulated amount, i.e., NOT a 'tithe' (tenth).
11. NOT have to ‘pledge before hand’ and then be held accountable
This (along with the parallel scriptures) shows that when churches had a need for money it was freely given by each member. This is the only method revealed as to the raising of such funds.
This also shows that when the need was long-term or ongoing, such was taken routinely as they gathered (cp. ch. 11, ch. 5, Acts 20:7; )…
This does NOT explain all the differing situations where a church needed funds, for example, we know that churches also supported preachers (2 Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:14-16).
Hugh DeLong
