1 Corinthians 16:1-4
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Paul doesn't just want a handout; he's establishing a pattern of generous giving that the Corinthian church should adopt, just as other churches already are. This isn't a spontaneous request, but a deliberate, organized practice of supporting God's people. It reveals that consistent, structured generosity is a vital part of the Christian life.
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. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is giving practical instructions to the Corinthian church about a collection he's organizing for the poor believers in Jerusalem. He's already set this up in other churches and is now telling the Corinthians to follow suit, emphasizing order and intentionality in their giving. This passage is part of a larger section where Paul addresses various issues of church life and order that had arisen in Corinth.
Ever wondered if giving to others is really important to God? Paul gives a clear directive here, connecting it directly to the 'saints'.
Paul begins by addressing a specific need: a collection for the 'saints.' This wasn't just random charity; it was a coordinated effort to support fellow believers, likely those suffering from hardship or poverty. The term 'saints' reminds us that God calls all believers into a holy community, and part of that community's life is mutual care and support. This offering was a tangible expression of unity and love across different churches.
Paul references 'the churches of Galatia.' What does this tell us about how unified the early church was in its practices?
Paul doesn't just tell the Corinthians what to do; he points to a precedent: "as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do." This shows a remarkable level of organizational structure and doctrinal unity in the early church. Paul established consistent practices across diverse geographical areas. This wasn't a suggestion; it was a directive, indicating that this kind of organized, compassionate giving was a core teaching he imparted wherever he established churches. It underscores that our faith isn't meant to be lived in isolation but in interconnectedness.
Understand the original words
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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.
charis · Greek Noun
The gracious act of giving; a favor or benefit bestowed upon another, often used in the New Testament to describe the financial aid sent to the church in Jerusalem.
dokimazō · Greek Verb (as implied by the context of 'accredit')
To approve, authorize, or attest to the reliability and character of someone; in this context, it refers to the church vetting individuals to handle church funds.
The collection mentioned was a significant ecumenical effort, aiming to bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers by pooling resources for the Jerusalem church, demonstrating practical unity in Christ.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council Held
A crucial meeting where early church leaders decided Gentile believers did not need to follow all Mosaic Law. This decision laid groundwork for a unified, yet diverse, early church.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about eighteen months in Corinth establishing the church. This church, though vibrant, faced significant internal issues that Paul addresses in his letters.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul Writes First Letter to Corinthians
Paul writes from Ephesus to the church in Corinth, addressing issues of division, immorality, and doctrinal confusion.
c. AD 55
Collection for Jerusalem Saints
Paul organized a special offering from Gentile churches to support the financially struggling Jewish believers in Jerusalem, fostering unity between the two groups.
c. AD 55-56
Paul's Second Letter to Corinthians
Following his first letter and likely a difficult visit, Paul writes again, discussing the collection and defending his apostleship.
This passage describes the deep generosity and willing sacrifice of the Macedonian churches in their own collection, setting a powerful example for giving that goes beyond mere obligation.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8Paul emphasizes that giving should be cheerful and generous, not out of obligation or compulsion, linking a cheerful giver to God's abundant provision.
Acts 11:29-30This earlier account shows the church in Antioch responding to a famine by sending relief to the brothers in Judea, demonstrating a practical, organized way the early church cared for its own.
1 Corinthians 16:3-4This immediately following section clarifies the practical method Paul outlines for the collection, showing it was to be done systematically and delegated to trustworthy individuals, not a chaotic free-for-all.
Paul doesn't just want a handout; he's establishing a pattern of generous giving that the Corinthian church should adopt, just as other churches already are. This isn't a spontaneous request, but a deliberate, organized practice of supporting God's people. It reveals that consistent, structured generosity is a vital part of the Christian life.
Paul is giving practical instructions to the Corinthian church about a collection he's organizing for the poor believers in Jerusalem. He's already set this up in other churches and is now telling the Corinthians to follow suit, emphasizing order and intentionality in their giving. This passage is part of a larger section where Paul addresses various issues of church life and order that had arisen in Corinth.
Paul is giving practical instructions to the Corinthian church about a collection he's organizing for the poor believers in Jerusalem. He's already set this up in other churches and is now telling the Corinthians to follow suit, emphasizing order and intentionality in their giving. This passage is part of a larger section where Paul addresses various issues of church life and order that had arisen in Corinth.
"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 want a handout; he's establishing a pattern of generous giving that the Corinthian church should adopt, just as other churches already are. This isn't a spontaneous request, but a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
