1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - Collection for the needy

In this passage Paul dealt with another problem. Throughout this letter we see him introducing a subject with two words “Now concerning” (7:1; 8:1; 12:1 and 16:1). He is now introducing the final problem with the same two words “Now concerning.”

The backdrop to the situation is this: The church in Jerusalem was affected by a famine and was in need of help. Since the believers in Christ are interconnected, when one part of the body suffers every part suffers (1 Corinthians 12:26). So as he had written to instruct the churches in the region of Galatia to assist the church in Jerusalem, he now instructed the church in Corinth to do the same. Paul himself had taken much time to raise financial assistance for the needy brethren in Jerusalem. He would bring along with him people to assist the brethren in Jerusalem, to avoid being accused of mishandling the funds he had collected in his journey. The people traveling with him would also help in ensuring security as they travel with the money. These people were from the different churches where those funds came from. 

This issue Paul introduced here, concerning collection for the needy in Jerusalem, was a problem in the church of Corinthians. Why? We conclude from this letter that this church was internally divided. The division and quarrels had taken so much of their time that they had no time to consider their needy brethren elsewhere.

In verse 2, Paul advised them to set aside funds on the first day of the week as he did not want it to be collected only when he arrived. He probably didn’t want it to be a last minute exercise. His instructions provide some very sound advice on giving. Firstly, to give “On the first day of the week” tells us that giving ought to be regular. Secondly, it ought to be personal, “…each of you is to put aside.” This would allow for individual participation. When a member gives, he would be entering and participating in the pain of the one going through the suffering. Thirdly, giving should be planned giving, “…put aside and save…” Fourthly, it should be proportionate giving – “…as he may prosper…” i.e. according to his income he had been blessed with.  By the way, “The first day of the week…” has been taken as an indication that the church met on Sunday instead of Saturday. Here we also see that Paul did not only want them to give of their money but also to provide man power to accompany him to Jerusalem, should it be found fitting for him to go also.

 

How often do we consider giving to the needy? The attitudes of the Corinthians do reflect some of the tendencies of the more affluent.  We may be so caught up in the rat race and our personal progress that we can be blind to the needs of our brethren. There is no denial that there are always people less fortunate than us. What can we do to alleviate the plight of the needy? This is a challenge and a call to be less self-absorbing and to take a wider interest to participate in helping the less fortunate. May God be our help!