1 Corinthians 16:2 kjv
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2 nkjv
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2 niv
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
1 Corinthians 16:2 esv
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.
1 Corinthians 16:2 nlt
On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.
1 Corinthians 16 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 16:1 | concerning the collection for the saints… | Instructions for giving |
| Acts 11:29-30 | …each according to his ability, determined to send relief… | Collection for Jerusalem |
| Rom 15:26 | for Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. | Purpose of the collection |
| 2 Cor 8:11-12 | Now finish the matter, so that as there was the readiness to desire, so there may be also the completion of it, according to what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. | Willingness and ability in giving |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | Each one must do as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. | Attitude of the giver |
| Luke 6:38 | Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. | Principle of reciprocity in giving |
| Prov 3:9-10 | Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty… | Honoring God with firstfruits |
| Mal 3:10 | Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… and test me in this… whether I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. | Tithe and blessings |
| Matt 6:1-4 | “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be noticed by them… But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” | Secret and rewarded giving |
| Phil 4:16-17 | even in Thessalonica you sent me help once and again for my needs… not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account. | Paul's appreciation for support |
| 1 Tim 6:17-19 | As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in God, who richly provides us for all things to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. | Riches used for good deeds |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Pleasing sacrifices to God |
| Acts 20:7 | On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart the next day… | Meeting on the first day of the week |
| Mark 16:2 | And very early on the first day of the week, when they had come to the tomb as the sun was rising. | The resurrection day |
| John 20:1 | Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. | Mary Magdalene's visit to the tomb |
| Ex 23:19 | The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. | Firstfruits offering |
| Lev 27:30 | Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. | Tithe belongs to the Lord |
| Num 18:26 | Moreover, you shall speak to the Levites and say to them, “When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them as your inheritance, then you shall present a tenth of the tithe as the Lord’s offering to Aaron the priest.” | Levitical tithe |
| Ps 119:36 | incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetousness. | Guard against covetousness |
| Prov 11:24-25 | There is one who scatters, yet increases; there is one who withholds more than is proper, but it results only in want. The generous person will be prospered, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. | Generosity and refreshment |
1 Corinthians 16 verses
1 Corinthians 16 2 Meaning
This verse provides instruction on how to set aside financial contributions for the needs of the church in Jerusalem. It specifies that the giving should be done regularly, "on the first day of the week," and that the amount should be proportionate to what each person has received, "as he may prosper." This suggests a systematic and personal approach to financial stewardship within the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 16 2 Context
This verse is part of Paul's concluding instructions to the Corinthian church, specifically concerning a collection for the poor believers in Jerusalem. The Corinthian Christians, like other Gentile churches, were being encouraged to support their Jewish counterparts in Jerusalem, who were facing hardship. This act of generosity was a practical expression of Christian unity, bridging ethnic and cultural divides. The chapter as a whole addresses practical matters of church life, including instructions on the collection, Paul's travel plans, and general greetings. Historically, this collection was significant as a tangible manifestation of the unity of the early church, transcending its Jewish origins and embracing its Gentile converts.
1 Corinthians 16 2 Word analysis
"On the first day of the week": This refers to Sunday, the Lord's Day, marking the day of the resurrection and the assembly of the church.
"Let each of you": Emphasizes personal responsibility and individual participation in the act of giving.
"Lay by in store": Implies setting aside a portion regularly, not just a one-time event. It suggests systematic saving or allocation for the intended purpose.
"As he may prosper": This is a key phrase indicating that the amount of giving should be based on one's financial success or earnings. It is a proportional giving, not a fixed amount, emphasizing gratitude and stewardship of God-given resources.
Group Analysis: The phrase "lay by in store as he may prosper" speaks to a principle of regular, proportional, and conscientious giving. It is not haphazard or guilt-driven, but a planned and personal response to God's provision. This combines the idea of disciplined financial management with generosity, rooted in a person's ability.
1 Corinthians 16 2 Bonus Section
This instruction on regular, proportional giving can be seen as an application of Old Testament principles of tithing and offerings, adapted for the New Covenant. While the Mosaic Law had specific percentages for tithes and sacrifices, this New Testament directive emphasizes the spirit of generosity and cheerful stewardship. It’s about prioritizing God’s work and the needs of fellow believers as a regular part of one’s financial life. This also connects to the broader theme of selfless service and sharing one's resources, reflecting Christ's own sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 16 2 Commentary
Paul directs the Corinthian believers to implement a regular practice of setting aside funds for the needs of the saints in Jerusalem. This is to be done on Sunday, the primary day of worship and fellowship. The instruction emphasizes that each individual should give according to their financial means ("as he may prosper"). This highlights the importance of personal stewardship, joyful giving, and the practical expression of Christian love and unity across different communities within the church. It underscores that giving is not a burden but an opportunity to participate in God's work and to bless others.