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

The verse instructs on the proper way to conduct the collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem. It emphasizes organization and individual responsibility. The directive to set aside money "on the first day of the week" indicates a regular and systematic approach to giving. The phrase "as he may prosper" signifies that the contribution should be proportional to one's financial ability.

1 Corinthians 16 1 Context

This verse is part of Paul's closing remarks and practical instructions in his letter to the Corinthian church. Chapter 16 addresses various matters including a collection for the Jerusalem saints, Paul's travel plans, and greetings. The Corinthian church, like many in the early apostolic era, was part of a broader network of believers, and caring for the needs of fellow Christians, especially those in distress or facing hardship, was a vital aspect of their faith and communal life. The specific collection for the "saints in Jerusalem" highlights the solidarity among believers across different regions and ethnic groups. This act of giving also served as a demonstration of Christian unity and love. The historical context involved poverty in Judea and a desire by Paul to foster a sense of shared responsibility and practical love between the Gentile churches and the mother church in Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 16 1 Word analysis

• concerning (Greek: peri) - A preposition meaning "about," "concerning," or "in regard to." It introduces the subject of the instruction.

• the collection (Greek: logia) - Derived from lego, meaning "to gather," "to count," or "to collect." It refers to a collection of alms or money.

• for (Greek: eis) - Indicates purpose or destination. The money is for the purpose of the saints.

• the saints (Greek: hagion) - Refers to believers, those set apart by God. It denotes a special group, distinguished by their relationship with Christ.

• in (Greek: kata) - Used here with a temporal sense, "in the manner of" or "according to."

• L $s (Greek: mia). A numeral, meaning "one."

• sabbaton (Greek: sabbaton) - The week (originally, the Sabbath day, but by New Testament times, commonly referring to the week).

• sabbaton (Greek: sabbaton) - Here referring to the first day of the week, which in Christian tradition became the Lord's Day.

• of the week (Greek: sabbaton) - See above. It refers to the weekly cycle.

• you should set aside (Greek: thesaurizontes) - The present participle of thesaurizo, meaning "to treasure up," "to store up," or "to lay up." It implies a regular, stored provision rather than a spontaneous act.

• each one (Greek: hekastos) - Distributive pronoun, signifying every individual person within the church.

• of you (Greek: humon) - Plural pronoun referring to the members of the Corinthian church.

• as (Greek: hōs) - Adverb of manner, indicating how the action should be performed.

• he may prosper (Greek: euodōtai) - From euodoo, meaning "to cause to prosper," "to make to succeed," or "to lead successfully." It signifies God's blessing or success in one's endeavors, implying the giving should be proportionate to one's financial success or ability.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "Collection for the saints": Emphasizes the specific purpose of gathering funds and the recipients of this aid. It highlights the organized and directed nature of the charitable effort.
  • "On the first day of the week": Points to a specific timing, likely on the Lord's Day, indicating regular congregational meetings where such offerings might be brought.
  • "As he may prosper": Stresses that the giving is to be voluntary and proportionate to one's financial blessings, reflecting personal stewardship rather than a rigid, equal quota.

1 Corinthians 16 1 Bonus section

The practice of collecting for the needs of the broader Christian community was common in the early church, demonstrating their interconnectedness and love. This act of charity was not merely humanitarian; it also served as a tangible expression of their unity in Christ, bridging socio-economic and geographical divides. Paul's emphasis on regular giving and personal assessment of ability reflects principles of stewardship and cheerful generosity that are foundational to Christian financial practice. The "first day of the week" likely refers to the Lord's Day, the Christian day of worship, suggesting offerings were brought during their corporate gatherings.

1 Corinthians 16 1 Commentary

Paul provides practical directives for the Corinthian believers regarding a collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem. The instruction is not about tithing but about a special offering. Giving is to be a consistent practice, set aside "on the first day of the week," suggesting it be brought to the regular assembly. The amount is to be determined by each individual based on their "prosperity," meaning their God-given success and ability, ensuring a cheerful and voluntary contribution, not an imposition. This organized yet personal approach reflects stewardship and love for fellow believers. It’s about the habit of giving regularly and proportionately.

• Practical Usage:
  • Churches should have clear systems for receiving offerings.
  • Believers are encouraged to give regularly to support the work of God and help others.
  • Giving should be thoughtful and proportional to one's means.
  • It fosters unity and mutual support within the body of Christ.