1 Corinthians 16 1

1 Corinthians 16:1 kjv

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

1 Corinthians 16:1 nkjv

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:

1 Corinthians 16:1 niv

Now about the collection for the Lord's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.

1 Corinthians 16:1 esv

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.

1 Corinthians 16:1 nlt

Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God's people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia.

1 Corinthians 16 verses

1 Corinthians 16 1 meaning

This verse initiates a new, practical subject within Paul's letter: the offering collected for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, often referred to as "the saints." Paul mandates that the Corinthian church establish the same system of regular giving that he previously instructed the churches in the Roman province of Galatia to implement, emphasizing consistency and obedience to apostolic direction for this vital act of charity and inter-church fellowship.

1 Corinthians 16 1 Context

1 Corinthians 16:1 marks a transition in Paul's letter from profound theological discussions and responses to spiritual issues (like the resurrection in chapter 15, spiritual gifts in chapters 12-14, and order in worship) to more practical matters of Christian living and church administration. Paul, having addressed divisions, moral failures, disputes, and doctrines, now shifts to the topic of an organized financial collection. This collection was not for general church maintenance, but a specific relief effort for the Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem, who faced significant poverty due to famine, persecution, and the general economic conditions of the region. By referring to his previous instructions to the "churches of Galatia," Paul emphasizes the universal and authoritative nature of this directive across Gentile churches, presenting it not as a unique burden on Corinth but as a standard practice for inter-church solidarity. This demonstrates Paul's consistent method of pastoral care and his overarching vision for unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in the nascent Christian community, with Gentile generosity acknowledging the spiritual heritage received from Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 16 1 Word analysis

• Now concerning (Greek: Περὶ δὲ, Peri de): This is a standard Pauline epistolary formula indicating a shift to a new subject, often in response to questions or issues raised by the recipients. It signifies a transition from the prior weighty topics of resurrection (Ch 15) and spiritual gifts (Ch 12-14) to practical administration.
• the collection (Greek: τῆς λογίας, tēs logias): This Greek word specifically denotes a financial gathering or contribution, particularly for a charitable purpose. It's not a common word for general offerings, making it clear this was an organized fund. Its use highlights the structured nature of this endeavor.
• for the saints (Greek: εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους, eis tous hagious):
  • saints (ἁγίους, hagious): In New Testament usage, "saints" refers to all believers, those set apart or consecrated by God. Here, it specifically points to the impoverished Jewish Christians in Jerusalem (cf. Rom 15:26), highlighting the inter-ethnic unity and mutual care within the body of Christ.
  • for (εἰς, eis): A preposition indicating purpose or direction; the collection is for the direct benefit and support of these believers.
• as (Greek: ὥσπερ, hosper): This conjunction means "just as" or "exactly as," underscoring the consistency of Paul's instructions. It signals that the Corinthians are to follow an established model.
• I have given order (Greek: διέταξα, dietaxa): From the verb diatassō, meaning "to arrange," "to command," or "to instruct with authority." The aorist tense denotes a definitive command given at a specific past point in time. This emphasizes Paul's apostolic authority in directing such matters for the churches.
• to the churches of Galatia (Greek: ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Γαλατίας, tais ekklēsiais tēs Galatias):
  • churches (ἐκκλησίαις, ekklēsiais): The plural signifies multiple congregations within the Roman province of Galatia (likely South Galatia), showing the widespread nature of Paul's instruction and the unity among his planted churches.
  • Galatia: A province in central Asia Minor where Paul conducted missionary work, establishing Christian communities (Acts 16:6; 18:23). Referencing them provides a concrete example and precedent for the Corinthians to follow.
• even so (Greek: οὕτω καὶ, houtō kai): Meaning "in the same way also," serving as a direct command for imitation.
• do ye (Greek: ποιήσατε, poiēsate): An aorist imperative, conveying an immediate and decisive command for action. It implies a demand for practical implementation rather than just intellectual assent.

• "Now concerning the collection for the saints": This phrase introduces a new segment in Paul's letter, moving from theological exposition to a very practical matter of communal responsibility and love. It specifies a financial fund aimed at aiding a particular group of believers (the Jerusalem poor).
• "as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye": This clause serves multiple purposes: it demonstrates Paul's consistent apostolic teaching across different Gentile churches, establishing a universal pattern for charity; it provides an example for the Corinthians, reducing any sense of it being an isolated burden; and it underlines Paul's authority as he issues a directive, not merely a suggestion.

1 Corinthians 16 1 Bonus section

• Theological Significance of the Collection: Beyond material relief, this collection held deep theological significance for Paul. It was intended to symbolize and solidify the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ (Rom 15:27; Gal 2:10). The Gentiles were sharing their material blessings with those from whom they had received spiritual blessings.
• Voluntary but Organized: While the act of giving was to be willing (as elaborated in 2 Cor 8-9), Paul's instruction here, "given order," indicates a call for systematic and disciplined giving, rather than impulsive or haphazard donations. This highlights the early church's capacity for organized charity.
• Early Christian Communalism: This collection showcases an early and essential aspect of Christian communal life: practical support for fellow believers, especially those facing hardship. It exemplifies a commitment to active love that transcended geographical and ethnic boundaries within the broader Body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 16 1 Commentary

Verse 1 Corinthians 16:1 marks a crucial turn in Paul's epistle, initiating a segment on practical Christian living following weighty theological discourse. It directly commands the Corinthian church to organize a collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem. This was not a general fund but part of Paul's significant project to foster unity between the predominantly Gentile churches and the original Jewish Christian community, expressing Gentile gratitude for the spiritual blessings that came through Jerusalem. Paul’s instruction, referencing similar directives given to the churches of Galatia, underlines his consistent apostolic authority and the universal expectation of charitable giving as an integral aspect of Christian fellowship, mutual care, and practical love (koinonia). The consistency across different regions also established a common model for orderly and purposeful stewardship within the early Church, moving from spiritual fervor to tangible, material support.