1 Corinthians 16 (28 of 28)
Series: The Epistle of 1 Corinthians
Harley Howard
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Now concerning the collection for the saints - The way the verse is stated shows that Paul had mentioned this matter to them before, and that it was a subject which they would readily understand. It was needful only to give some instructions in regard to the manner in which it should be done, and not in regard to the obligation of making it. All his instructions related to the manner in which the collection should be made. Also, the collection was commanded-it was not an option, so to speak. There was some force in the words, "given order". Not duress, but not optional. It was an obligation from love. This command was given to all of the churches regarding the collection. The collection was for the saints. This is also significant. Most collections taken today are not taken for the saints but for other things; some good things and some not so good. The Greek word for collections in this verse is only used here and in verse 2 (Gatherings) in the entire New Testament. Thayer states that the Greek word for collections simply means; a collection of money gathered for the relief of the poor. This was the purpose of the collection Paul referred to here. The monies collected were for the poor saints in Jerusalem, who undoubtedly were impoverished by their great liberality in its early years, and by the persecutions which followed.
Once again, be reminded that these churches were not anywhere as financially prosperous as the church is today, yet they gave above their needs to make sure that the home church in Jerusalem, the first church, was taken care of. But this was much more than a charitable act (singular) of giving to the Jerusalem church, but it was to be seen as an ongoing obligation-a debt that was owed to them because of the spiritual services rende ...
Series: The Epistle of 1 Corinthians
Harley Howard
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Now concerning the collection for the saints - The way the verse is stated shows that Paul had mentioned this matter to them before, and that it was a subject which they would readily understand. It was needful only to give some instructions in regard to the manner in which it should be done, and not in regard to the obligation of making it. All his instructions related to the manner in which the collection should be made. Also, the collection was commanded-it was not an option, so to speak. There was some force in the words, "given order". Not duress, but not optional. It was an obligation from love. This command was given to all of the churches regarding the collection. The collection was for the saints. This is also significant. Most collections taken today are not taken for the saints but for other things; some good things and some not so good. The Greek word for collections in this verse is only used here and in verse 2 (Gatherings) in the entire New Testament. Thayer states that the Greek word for collections simply means; a collection of money gathered for the relief of the poor. This was the purpose of the collection Paul referred to here. The monies collected were for the poor saints in Jerusalem, who undoubtedly were impoverished by their great liberality in its early years, and by the persecutions which followed.
Once again, be reminded that these churches were not anywhere as financially prosperous as the church is today, yet they gave above their needs to make sure that the home church in Jerusalem, the first church, was taken care of. But this was much more than a charitable act (singular) of giving to the Jerusalem church, but it was to be seen as an ongoing obligation-a debt that was owed to them because of the spiritual services rende ...
There are 35605 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
