1 Corinthians 16:1-9
1: Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.
2: On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
3: When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;
4: and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
5: But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
6: and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
7: For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
8: But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9: for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Paul instructed the Corinthians to prepare a collection for the saints in Jerusalem and Judea. He didn’t call them "the poor" here as he did in Romans 8:26—the poor among the saints—but said it was for their relief, to supply their needs, as many of them had become needy due to persecution and possibly famine.
Paul had instructed other churches to make these collections as well. He said for everyone to participate in this, each one setting some aside every week from their income, so when Paul came to collect it, it would be ready. By setting some aside every week, the amount in the end would be larger than if they just took one collection when he arrived. Paul’s desire was for a large amount to be distributed to these saints in need. What a contrast from his former self who persecuted these saints, imprisoning them and even consenting with their death (Acts 26:10).
Paul told of his plan to stay in Ephesus, where he was when he wrote this letter, until Pentecost. He was taking advantage of the opportunity he had to minister in Ephesus, in spite of the many adversaries there. So, when the disturbance broke out in Ephesus, which drove him away, we see by this letter that he was already intending to leave (Acts 19:9-23) and go through Macedonia to visit them.
He told them to choose those who would bring the collected gifts to Jerusalem, and he would send “letters” or credentials with them, possibly even accompanying them himself if it was worthwhile. He told them he would like to spend some time there with them if the Lord willed. (He eventually did end up staying three months with them through the winter 57-58 A.D. which was after he wrote and sent 2 Corinthians (Acts 20:3). From there he left for Jerusalem.)
The perseverance of the apostles, and the saints, back then to live and preach the gospel is admirable. Traveling, sending letters and messengers took much more time and effort than what we are used to today. No electronic communications, no jet travel or next day delivery. We can learn much from their example.
2: On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
3: When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;
4: and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
5: But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
6: and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
7: For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
8: But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9: for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
***
Paul instructed the Corinthians to prepare a collection for the saints in Jerusalem and Judea. He didn’t call them "the poor" here as he did in Romans 8:26—the poor among the saints—but said it was for their relief, to supply their needs, as many of them had become needy due to persecution and possibly famine.
Paul had instructed other churches to make these collections as well. He said for everyone to participate in this, each one setting some aside every week from their income, so when Paul came to collect it, it would be ready. By setting some aside every week, the amount in the end would be larger than if they just took one collection when he arrived. Paul’s desire was for a large amount to be distributed to these saints in need. What a contrast from his former self who persecuted these saints, imprisoning them and even consenting with their death (Acts 26:10).
Paul told of his plan to stay in Ephesus, where he was when he wrote this letter, until Pentecost. He was taking advantage of the opportunity he had to minister in Ephesus, in spite of the many adversaries there. So, when the disturbance broke out in Ephesus, which drove him away, we see by this letter that he was already intending to leave (Acts 19:9-23) and go through Macedonia to visit them.
He told them to choose those who would bring the collected gifts to Jerusalem, and he would send “letters” or credentials with them, possibly even accompanying them himself if it was worthwhile. He told them he would like to spend some time there with them if the Lord willed. (He eventually did end up staying three months with them through the winter 57-58 A.D. which was after he wrote and sent 2 Corinthians (Acts 20:3). From there he left for Jerusalem.)
The perseverance of the apostles, and the saints, back then to live and preach the gospel is admirable. Traveling, sending letters and messengers took much more time and effort than what we are used to today. No electronic communications, no jet travel or next day delivery. We can learn much from their example.
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