CONCERNING THE COLLECTION

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Charity, as it relates to benevolence, has always been a godly, individual responsibility - to share and care for those that are in need, whether they are family members, friends and neighbors, or fellow Christians. Through these personal works, we demonstrate, both our love of God, and our love for our fellow man. The characteristics of the "Good Samaritan" should be recognized and emulated at all times, as we communicate with all neighbors, both far and near from our presence. Good deeds should have no boundaries, and should be limited only by one's physical and financial capabilities.

However, the lesson text refers to another kind of "giving." Here the collection refers to contributions made to the treasury of the church of Christ. Such funds are to be used, as God requires in his Holy Word - for the teaching and edification of the local congregation, for evangelism, that is, the preaching gospel of Christ to those outside the body of Christ locally, nationally, and internationally. Congregational contributions are also to be used to for benevolent efforts, in caring for the physical and spiritual needs of all others, to the best of church capabilities, as directed by the word of God. The lesson text gives us an example of a specific and unique use of the funds collected from individual Christians, placed in the treasury of the local congregation, and earmarked by the overseers (elders), to be sent to another congregation to be used to relieve fellow Christians in dire emergencies.

Paul had probably spoken to the church at Corinth previously about taking up a collection to be sent to the church at Jerusalem, as humanitarian aid for the saints of that congregation. As Paul traveled through Galatia, Paul had also made this same request. The specific need of fellow Christians at Jerusalem is not given. However, many speculate that it was due to the famine referred to in Acts 11:27-30. Here we found a contingent from the church in Jerusalem, lead by Agabus, coming to the church in Antioch seeking financial assistance during this famine. A collection was made and sent it to the elders (of the church at Jerusalem) by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Some also say that the famine was made even more difficult due to Roman persecution in the days of Claudius Caesar, also mentioned in this passage. Paul refers to this urgent mission in his letter to the Roman Christians, saying he found it necessary to go unto Jerusalem to minister to the saintsand to deliver a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem,that had been collected from churches in Macedonia and Achaia (See Romans 15:25-27).

In his second letter to the Corinthian brethren, Paul gives us additional insight to this benevolent act. Here he refers specifically to the liberality of the churches of Macedonia, which would probably include the congregations in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Members of these churches, even though they were suffering a great trial of affliction, and were also in deep poverty, still gave liberally to the needs of sister congregations of God's people, entreating Paul to take their gift to those saints that were in need. The success of their effort can assuredly be attributed to how they gave. They first gave their own selves to the Lord, and (then gave) unto us by the will of God (See 2 Cor. 8:1-5). As can be seen in the lesson text, contributions made to the treasury of the local congregation of God's people have special uses beyond the edification of the local church.

In closing, it would be well to mention a few specific principles of giving by the Christian. First, as stated in the lesson text, we should give as we have been prospered. One should also give as purposed in their heart (2 Cor. 9:7). This same text tells us that we should give, for God loveth a cheerful giver. Romans 12:8, says we are to give liberally. The example given by our Savior, Jesus Christ, tells us that we are to give with sincerity, and not to be seen of men (See Matt. 6:1-4). With hospitality,Christians are to contribute to the necessity of saints (Rom 12:13). And, just as Jesus commended the widow who gave all that she had (Mark 12:31-44), Christians are to give sacrificially (Also see 2 Cor. 8:1-5). Why? For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints (Heb. 6:10).