1 Corinthians 16:1-2
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Paul doesn't just give a general instruction; he points to a specific, established practice already in motion among other churches. This wasn't a new, burdensome request, but a call to join a faithful, ongoing ministry of generosity that was part of the fabric of the early Christian community.
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, addressing practical matters that have arisen in their church community. Before this, he's tackled issues of division, immorality, and worship, and now he turns to a specific instruction about a financial offering he's organizing. He's directing them to set aside money for believers in Jerusalem who are suffering, just as he'd previously instructed other churches.
Paul doesn't just suggest giving; he gives clear instructions. This collection wasn't optional, but a vital part of church life.
A Matter of Order
Paul begins with "Now concerning the collection for the saints." This signals a practical, organizational matter that he's addressing. It wasn't a spontaneous appeal, but a planned initiative.
Apostolic Direction
He immediately follows with, "as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do." This emphasizes that his instructions carried the weight of apostolic authority. He wasn't guessing; he was directing. This collection was a priority he had established in other churches, and he expected Corinth to follow suit.
Who were these 'saints' and why were they in need? Understanding their situation reveals the heart of Christian compassion.
The Broader Body of Christ
The term 'saints' here refers to believers, specifically those facing hardship. In this context, it's widely understood to mean the church in Jerusalem, which was experiencing severe famine and persecution. Paul was mobilizing the Gentile churches to support their Jewish brothers and sisters.
A Tangible Expression of Unity
This collection wasn't just charity; it was a profound act of unity. It bridged cultural and ethnic divides, demonstrating that believers, regardless of background, were one body in Christ. The Gentile believers were expressing thankfulness for the spiritual blessings they had received from the Jewish people (through Christ and the apostles), now by providing material support.
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Understand the original words
logia · Greek Noun
A financial or material contribution gathered for a specific charitable or religious purpose, often associated with providing for the needs of the poor or the work of the ministry.
hagios · Greek Noun (Adjective used as a noun)
Those who have been set apart and made holy by God through faith in Christ; the common designation for all believers in the New Testament.
diatassō · Greek Verb
A formal order, instruction, or regulation given by an authority, in this context specifically the apostolic instructions given by Paul to the local congregations.
mia sabbaton · Greek Noun phrase
Refers to the Lord's Day (Sunday), the day set aside by the early church for gathering, worship, and the breaking of bread in celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
euodoō · Greek Verb
To succeed or thrive, specifically in a financial or material sense; biblically, it is recognized that God is the source of all increase and resources.
This verse highlights a practical act of unity and mutual support between Jewish and Gentile believers, aiming to bridge cultural divides and demonstrate the solidarity of the body of Christ in its earliest days.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A major dispute was settled regarding whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law. The apostles and elders decided they did not, affirming salvation by grace through faith.
c. AD 49-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul traveled extensively, establishing churches in key cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. He faced opposition but also saw significant growth in the early church.
c. AD 52-56
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his third missionary journey, Paul spent over two years in Ephesus, a major Roman city. From here, he ministered to the wider region, including Corinth.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
While in Ephesus, Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues of division, immorality, and doctrinal confusion within the congregation.
c. AD 56
Collection for Jerusalem Saints
The collection initiated by Paul involved churches across various regions, especially the Gentile churches, to support the struggling Jewish believers in Jerusalem. This act aimed to foster unity and demonstrate practical love between Jewish and Gentile Christians.
This passage describes the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches in giving to the poor believers in Jerusalem, highlighting the spirit of sacrificial giving Paul encourages.
Acts 11:27-30This shows an earlier instance where prophets foretold a famine, and the disciples in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers in Judea, demonstrating a pattern of mutual support within the early church.
Romans 15:25-27Paul explicitly states his current mission to Jerusalem to deliver a contribution for the poor among the saints there, referencing how the Gentiles have benefited spiritually and now have the privilege of serving them materially.
1 Corinthians 9:9-14Paul defends the principle of financial support for those who minister the gospel, using Old Testament law and the example of temple workers to show that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
Paul doesn't just give a general instruction; he points to a specific, established practice already in motion among other churches. This wasn't a new, burdensome request, but a call to join a faithful, ongoing ministry of generosity that was part of the fabric of the early Christian community.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, addressing practical matters that have arisen in their church community. Before this, he's tackled issues of division, immorality, and worship, and now he turns to a specific instruction about a financial offering he's organizing. He's directing them to set aside money for believers in Jerusalem who are suffering, just as he'd previously instructed other churches.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, addressing practical matters that have arisen in their church community. Before this, he's tackled issues of division, immorality, and worship, and now he turns to a specific instruction about a financial offering he's organizing. He's directing them to set aside money for believers in Jerusalem who are suffering, just as he'd previously instructed other churches.
"Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no…" — Paul doesn't just give a general instruction; he points to a specific, established practice already in motion among other churches. This wasn't a new, burdensome request, but a call to join a faith…
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Last reviewed October 2026
