I Corinthians 16:1-4: "Giving"
Paul makes a clear cut from the doctrine to a more practical issue with the Corinthians. After a wonderful treatment of the resurrection, Paul moves to another matter: the collection. Paul begins his letter, "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also". Paul obviously is speaking to an issue that was addressed previously, as he is able to call it "the collection". Paul informs us that this was an offering taken up for the saints in Jerusalem. MacArthur informs us that this is "the same collection Paul had, over the period of a year or more, solicited contributions from the churches of Galatia as well as from those in 'Macedonia and Achaia . . . for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem' (Rom. 15:26; cf. 2 Cor. 8:1-5). The collection was made during Paul's third missionary journey, to be presented to the Jerusalem church when he returned there (Acts 24:17)". Because of the widespread persecution, poverty was prevalent among the Jews of this time, and just as is the case today, the church's role is to provide for the needs of their flock. The other significance of this offering was the symbol of unity and oneness that the church had. MacArthur again writes, "The believers in Jerusalem were predominately Jews, and most of the believers in the churches contributing to the collection were Gentiles. 'Salvation is from the Jews' (John 4:22), being first given to and through the Jewish people. The Gentiles, therefore, had a special indebtedness to the Jews". This was a good will offering from mostly the Gentiles showing their unity and love for their brothers and sisters in Christ. We should all take a cue from this and understand that as a member of a church it is our duty to support the saints.
Paul continues, "On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come". Here Paul establishes the frequent and consistent giving of the church member to the church. Nowhere does Paul give a specific amount, but rather, makes sure it is understood that each member understands the importance of consistent giving of their funds. We are called to first put aside our portion of giving back to God and His work. He tells them to be consistently putting aside and saving money for those believers who are in need and the needs of the church. In regard to the statement "no collections be made when I come, MacArthur writes, "If Paul were here referring to Christians' storing their offerings privately at home, what he says at the end of the verse, that no collections be made when I come, would not make sense. If the gifts were stored at home, the first thing to be done when Paul arrived would have been to have a collection in order to bring the funds together. Along with teaching regular giving, Paul's purpose in giving the instruction was to have the offering ready to be taken to Jerusalem with as little delay as possible". Paul does give us an idea as to how much to give, nowhere is 10% mentioned as that is not a biblical mandate to tithe 10%. Here, Paul gives us the amount we should give, "as he may prosper". Each of us is to give in accord with how much we receive. If we are blessed with a generous income we ought to give out of our surplus. Each of us should give as much as we can for the work of the Lord knowing that in the end everything will burn. We can't take anything with us, but our generosity may have eternal benefits that will last forever.
Paul continues, "And when I arrive, whomever you may approve, I shall send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem". The Corinthian's were to select a few approved and respected men to be sent out by Paul to present the financial gift as well as some letters to the saints in Jerusalem. The key to this is understanding that the church must have responsible and respected leaders handling the gifts of the church. It is vital that the gifts given to the church are handled properly and wisely.
Lastly, Paul writes, "and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me". MacArthur interprets, "I believe Paul's point here is that he would accompany the gift to Jerusalem only if it turned out to be an offering that would indicate true generosity and that he would not be embarrassed to be associated with. He was encouraging the Corinthians to give freely from their hearts in an outpouring of love and concern".
Specifically, this is Paul's letter to the Corinthians addressing a specific offering that had been taken for the saints in Jerusalem and his instruction to them on how it should be handled. However, more generally to us, we can look at this section and understand that tithing is important. We ought not to look at tithing as something we do when we have some left over money. Instead we ought to look at it as an opportunity to serve God and the body of Christ. We should give with joy knowing that this money is doing more good than anything else we could purchase with it. When that is our motive we will first give to the Lord and find out where the rest of our money should go.
Paul continues, "On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come". Here Paul establishes the frequent and consistent giving of the church member to the church. Nowhere does Paul give a specific amount, but rather, makes sure it is understood that each member understands the importance of consistent giving of their funds. We are called to first put aside our portion of giving back to God and His work. He tells them to be consistently putting aside and saving money for those believers who are in need and the needs of the church. In regard to the statement "no collections be made when I come, MacArthur writes, "If Paul were here referring to Christians' storing their offerings privately at home, what he says at the end of the verse, that no collections be made when I come, would not make sense. If the gifts were stored at home, the first thing to be done when Paul arrived would have been to have a collection in order to bring the funds together. Along with teaching regular giving, Paul's purpose in giving the instruction was to have the offering ready to be taken to Jerusalem with as little delay as possible". Paul does give us an idea as to how much to give, nowhere is 10% mentioned as that is not a biblical mandate to tithe 10%. Here, Paul gives us the amount we should give, "as he may prosper". Each of us is to give in accord with how much we receive. If we are blessed with a generous income we ought to give out of our surplus. Each of us should give as much as we can for the work of the Lord knowing that in the end everything will burn. We can't take anything with us, but our generosity may have eternal benefits that will last forever.
Paul continues, "And when I arrive, whomever you may approve, I shall send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem". The Corinthian's were to select a few approved and respected men to be sent out by Paul to present the financial gift as well as some letters to the saints in Jerusalem. The key to this is understanding that the church must have responsible and respected leaders handling the gifts of the church. It is vital that the gifts given to the church are handled properly and wisely.
Lastly, Paul writes, "and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me". MacArthur interprets, "I believe Paul's point here is that he would accompany the gift to Jerusalem only if it turned out to be an offering that would indicate true generosity and that he would not be embarrassed to be associated with. He was encouraging the Corinthians to give freely from their hearts in an outpouring of love and concern".
Specifically, this is Paul's letter to the Corinthians addressing a specific offering that had been taken for the saints in Jerusalem and his instruction to them on how it should be handled. However, more generally to us, we can look at this section and understand that tithing is important. We ought not to look at tithing as something we do when we have some left over money. Instead we ought to look at it as an opportunity to serve God and the body of Christ. We should give with joy knowing that this money is doing more good than anything else we could purchase with it. When that is our motive we will first give to the Lord and find out where the rest of our money should go.
posted by amesfam | 4:44 PM
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