1 Corinthians 16:3-4
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Paul isn't just collecting money; he's establishing a trustworthy system for its delivery. He emphasizes the importance of accredited individuals, showing how integrity and proper authorization are crucial even in something as practical as sharing resources. This highlights God's concern for not just the what of our giving, but the how.
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 concluding his letter to the Corinthian church, addressing various issues they've raised and giving instructions for their lives and worship. This specific passage deals with the practical matter of collecting and delivering a special offering for the needy believers in Jerusalem, a project Paul had organized among the Gentile churches. What precedes this is Paul's instruction on how the Corinthians should set aside their contributions, and what follows is his personal travel plans and greetings.
We often think of giving as a spur-of-the-moment act, but Paul points to something more structured. What does this tell us about truly effective generosity?
Paul isn't just talking about a quick collection; he's outlining a process. The Corinthians were to select and accredit representatives. This implies:
Giving isn't just about the moment of donation, but the entire journey of the gift. Paul's instructions reveal why trust and integrity are paramount.
The phrase 'carry your gift to Jerusalem' highlights the significant distance and the need for reliable transport. Paul’s plan addresses potential issues:
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Understand the original words
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 here wasn't just charity; it was a strategic move by Paul to build bridges and affirm the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ, a delicate issue in the early church.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
The early church leaders, including Paul, met to decide on requirements for Gentile believers, affirming that salvation comes through faith in Jesus. This established key doctrines impacting Gentile inclusion.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent about eighteen months in Corinth, establishing a strong church community. This letter addresses issues that arose during and after his time there.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, planting churches and strengthening believers. This verse reflects ongoing communication and support between churches.
c. AD 55— this verse
Collection for Jerusalem Church
Paul was organizing a significant collection from Gentile churches to support the struggling Jerusalem church, which was predominantly Jewish. This act aimed to foster unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. AD 57
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus in response to reports and questions from the Corinthian church, addressing divisions, immorality, and doctrinal issues.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul's extensive travels and ministry continue, with this period seeing him deeply involved in Corinth and the surrounding regions.
This passage highlights the importance of godly people being chosen to handle funds for the Jerusalem collection, mirroring the careful accreditation mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:3.
Acts 11:30This verse describes the early church sending aid to Judea, providing context for the specific purpose of the gift mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:3 and demonstrating the ongoing relationship between churches.
Romans 15:26Paul explicitly states the reason for the collection is 'for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem,' clarifying the mission behind the accredited messengers in 1 Corinthians 16:3.
1 Corinthians 16:4This verse directly follows and complements 1 Corinthians 16:3 by stating that if it's appropriate, Paul will go with the accredited individuals, showing his personal involvement and oversight in the process.
Paul isn't just collecting money; he's establishing a trustworthy system for its delivery. He emphasizes the importance of accredited individuals, showing how integrity and proper authorization are crucial even in something as practical as sharing resources. This highlights God's concern for not just the what of our giving, but the how.
Paul is concluding his letter to the Corinthian church, addressing various issues they've raised and giving instructions for their lives and worship. This specific passage deals with the practical matter of collecting and delivering a special offering for the needy believers in Jerusalem, a project Paul had organized among the Gentile churches. What precedes this is Paul's instruction on how the Corinthians should set aside their contributions, and what follows is his personal travel plans and greetings.
Paul is concluding his letter to the Corinthian church, addressing various issues they've raised and giving instructions for their lives and worship. This specific passage deals with the practical matter of collecting and delivering a special offering for the needy believers in Jerusalem, a project Paul had organized among the Gentile churches. What precedes this is Paul's instruction on how the Corinthians should set aside their contributions, and what follows is his personal travel plans and greetings.
"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." — Paul isn't just collecting money; he's establishing a trustworthy system for its delivery. He emphasizes the importance of accredited individuals, showing how integrity and proper authorization are…
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Last reviewed October 2026
