1 Corinthians 16:2
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)
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This isn't just about setting aside money; it’s about creating a habit of generosity. The instruction to "put something aside and store it up" on the first day of every week emphasizes regular, planned giving, not just last-minute contributions. It’s about building generosity into the rhythm of life, rather than treating it as an obligation for when someone arrives.
Paul is giving instructions to the Corinthian church about collecting financial support for believers in Jerusalem who are facing hardship. This directive follows his discussion about spiritual gifts and order in worship, and it immediately precedes his personal greetings and final instructions. The point here is to establish a regular, organized way to give, so that when Paul arrives, the task is already handled and the giving is done thoughtfully rather than in a last-minute rush.
Paul doesn't just ask for money; he asks for a specific rhythm of giving. What does this weekly practice teach us about faith and finances?
A Consistent Commitment
Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 16:2 is remarkably practical. He tells the believers in Corinth to set aside money 'on the first day of every week.' This isn't a one-time event or an emergency appeal. It's a regular, scheduled act of worship and generosity. This weekly rhythm:
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Paul says to give 'as he may prosper.' What does this mean for how we should approach our finances in relation to our giving?
Proportional and Personal Giving
The phrase 'as he may prosper' is key here. It means our giving isn't a rigid, one-size-fits-all amount. Instead, it's:
Why was Paul collecting this money? It wasn't for a building fund or missionary salaries, but for something specific and immediate.
Meeting the Needs of God's People
Paul’s goal was clear: 'so that there will be no collecting when I come.' This wasn't about creating a surprise offering or putting people on the spot when he arrived. Instead, it was about:
Understand the original words
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 instruction about regular giving highlights the practical, community-focused nature of early Christian life, emphasizing responsible stewardship and support for ministry long before formal church structures existed.
c. AD 48-49
Paul Founds Church in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes the Christian church in Corinth during his missionary journey, facing significant opposition.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Extended Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends about eighteen months in Corinth, teaching and building up the fledgling church community. This period would have seen the development of the practices he addresses in his letter.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus
From Ephesus, Paul addresses major issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and the proper use of spiritual gifts.
c. AD 57
Paul's Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a difficult visit to Corinth, which he refers to as a 'painful visit' in his second letter, likely addressing issues he had previously written about.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians
Following his difficult visit, Paul writes his second letter to the Corinthians, further addressing their issues and expressing his apostolic authority.
This passage directly parallels the practice of meeting on the first day of the week for fellowship and the breaking of bread, suggesting it was a regular time for church gatherings.
2 Corinthians 8:11-12This passage further elaborates on the principle of generous giving according to one's ability, echoing the sentiment in 1 Corinthians 16:2 that giving should be proportionate to one's prosperity.
2 Corinthians 9:7This verse reinforces the idea of cheerful and intentional giving, stating 'each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion,' which aligns with the proactive, planned giving described in 1 Corinthians.
Deuteronomy 16:17This Old Testament passage lays the groundwork for proportional giving, stating that everyone shall give 'as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you,' a principle carried forward into the New Testament church.
This isn't just about setting aside money; it’s about creating a habit of generosity. The instruction to "put something aside and store it up" on the first day of every week emphasizes regular, planned giving, not just last-minute contributions. It’s about building generosity into the rhythm of life, rather than treating it as an obligation for when someone arrives.
Paul is giving instructions to the Corinthian church about collecting financial support for believers in Jerusalem who are facing hardship. This directive follows his discussion about spiritual gifts and order in worship, and it immediately precedes his personal greetings and final instructions. The point here is to establish a regular, organized way to give, so that when Paul arrives, the task is already handled and the giving is done thoughtfully rather than in a last-minute rush.
Paul is giving instructions to the Corinthian church about collecting financial support for believers in Jerusalem who are facing hardship. This directive follows his discussion about spiritual gifts and order in worship, and it immediately precedes his personal greetings and final instructions. The point here is to establish a regular, organized way to give, so that when Paul arrives, the task is already handled and the giving is done thoughtfully rather than in a last-minute rush.
"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." — This isn't just about setting aside money; it’s about creating a habit of generosity. The instruction to "put something aside and store it up" on the first day of every week emphasizes regular, p…
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