• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Concerning the collection for the saints..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1

COLLECTION OF OFFERINGS

Paul had written a long epistle to the Corinthian Church. He had now come to the last chapter. He addressed miscellaneous topics. The tone was no longer corrective. In typical fashion, Paul sought to conclude his epistle with encouraging words of exhortation. One of the topics addressed was the subject of the collection of offerings.

“Now concerning the collection for the saints,
as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia,
so you must do also: On the first day of the week
let each one of you lay something aside,
storing up as he may prosper,
that there be no collections when I come.”
1 Corinthians 16:1-2

1. “On the first day of the week”

a) This would be equivalent to our Sunday.

b) The first century Christians worshipped on a Sunday.

2. “Collection for the saints”

a) This was one of the purposes to be borne in mind.

b) There was a sense of affinity and identification with other churches.

c) Where there were needs known, those who were able were encouraged to render help.

d) Offerings to the Lord may be applied to help other church brethren in need.

e) Paul was making reference to a weekly offering collected when the church met together for worship.

3. Apostolic order

a) Paul wrote in his capacity as an apostle and thus he could use the word “order”.

b) He mentioned the churches in Galatia and now also Corinth.

c) These were churches he founded.

4. Principles of Giving to the Lord

a) Paul encouraged planning.

b) He did not want “special collections” to be made only when he arrived in Corinth.

c) The latter would indicate that this was a “last minute” effort.

(This kind of giving does not reflect well on the donor.)

d) Giving should be based on principles

i) Planned (“Lay something aside”)

ii) As God prospered (enabled and blessed)

iii) As an expression of obedience and compassion for the needs of the brethren.