1 Corinthians 16:3 kjv
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:3 nkjv
And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:3 niv
Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:3 esv
And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:3 nlt
When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 16:1 | "...collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia..." | Supports established practices for giving |
| 2 Corinthians 8:4 | "...implored us earnestly for the favor of sharing in this ministry..." | Reflects voluntary and eager participation |
| 2 Corinthians 9:7 | "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart..." | Personal decision in giving |
| Acts 11:29 | "...decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea." | Demonstrates early church mutual aid |
| Acts 20:33 | "I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel." | Principle of integrity in handling funds |
| Romans 15:26 | "... Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution..." | Geographical scope of the collection |
| 1 Timothy 5:10 | "...she has helped the saints by washing their feet..." | Actions demonstrating selfless service |
| James 2:15-16 | "If a brother or sister is without clothing and in daily need..." | Compassion for those in need |
| 1 John 3:17 | "But if someone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need..." | Practical demonstration of love |
| Galatians 2:10 | "...only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I also was eager to do." | Importance of remembering the poor |
| Philippians 4:16 | "Even in Thessalonica you sent me something for my need once and again." | Sustained support from churches |
| 1 Corinthians 16:2 | "On the first day of the week, let each of you put something aside..." | Timing and method of setting aside |
| 1 Corinthians 16:4 | "And if it is proper for me to go, they will go with me." | Accountability and presence of leadership |
| 1 Corinthians 16:3 | "...whom you approve by your letters..." | The role of approved representatives |
| Matthew 25:36 | "...I was naked and you clothed me..." | Investing in the needs of believers |
| Luke 10:35 | "He took him out and cared for him." | Principle of outward care |
| Acts 4:34-35 | "...distribution was made to each as any had need." | Communal sharing of resources |
| Acts 12:25 | "When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned..." | Delivering aid to Jerusalem |
| Ephesians 4:28 | "...laboring with his hands, so that he might have something to share..." | Diligence in providing for others |
| Colossians 3:23 | "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men..." | Motive for work and giving |
| Proverbs 19:17 | "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD..." | Divine affirmation of charitable giving |
| Hebrews 13:16 | "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have..." | Ongoing call to benevolence |
| 2 Corinthians 9:10 | "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed..." | God's provision for the giver |
1 Corinthians 16 verses
1 Corinthians 16 3 Meaning
This verse outlines the practical arrangements for collecting monetary contributions for the Jerusalem church, emphasizing a clear and organized process to ensure that valuable gifts reach their intended destination effectively and without arbitrary decision-making. It speaks to orderly stewardship and the importance of securing support for fellow believers facing hardship.
1 Corinthians 16 3 Context
First Corinthians chapter 16 addresses practical matters concerning the church in Corinth. Following instructions on worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection, Paul now focuses on financial administration. Specifically, he details the collection being taken for the needy saints in Jerusalem. This was a significant initiative reflecting the unity of the early church across different geographical and ethnic groups. The collection was not merely charity but a tangible expression of fellowship and solidarity among believers, a practice that had been established in other churches as well. The cultural context involved a prevailing system where patrons might support those under their care, but here, the emphasis is on mutual support within the Christian community, initiated by the apostles and embraced by local congregations.
1 Corinthians 16 3 Word Analysis
- when (Gr. hote) - This introduces a time clause, indicating the specific circumstance under which the recommendation is made.
- I (Gr. ego) - The Apostle Paul.
- come (Gr. elthō) - Refers to Paul's anticipated arrival.
- I will send (Gr. apostello) - To dispatch, to commission. This signifies an intentional sending forth of individuals.
- whom (Gr. hous) - A relative pronoun referring to specific people.
- you (Gr. hymas) - The recipients of the letter, the Corinthian believers.
- approve (Gr. dokimazo) - To test, to approve, to authenticate. It implies scrutiny and a confirmed standing.
- by (Gr. di) - Through, by means of.
- your (Gr. hymōn) - Possessive pronoun.
- letters (Gr. epistolōn) - Written communications. This suggests a formal process of endorsement.
Words/Groups Analysis:
- "whom you approve by your letters": This phrase highlights a critical element of accountability and delegation. Paul isn't appointing individuals himself without any Corinthian input. Instead, he wants them to endorse chosen representatives through their own written authorization. This practice prevents any suspicion of Paul unilaterally deciding who should handle these funds. It also empowers the local church body to confirm the trustworthiness of the messengers. This method ensures that the chosen individuals are deemed reliable not just by Paul but also by the community from which the funds are collected. This vetting process underscores the seriousness and integrity expected in managing church offerings.
1 Corinthians 16 3 Bonus Section
The directive to use "letters" (epistolōn) for approval points to a practice of formal communication and recognition within the early church. It suggests that while Paul was the overseer of this mission, the local churches had a vital role in confirming the suitability of those entrusted with significant tasks. This communal validation strengthens the bond of fellowship and ensures that the hands carrying the precious collection were above reproach. This methodical approach prevents favoritism and guarantees that the act of giving is carried out with utmost integrity and spiritual maturity.
1 Corinthians 16 3 Commentary
Paul instructs the Corinthians to designate trusted individuals to carry the collection to Jerusalem. These individuals are not to be randomly chosen but those whom the Corinthians themselves "approve" and endorse through their written communication. This highlights the importance of discernment and community involvement in financial stewardship. The endorsement process signifies a shared responsibility and trust between the apostle, the sending church, and the recipients. It demonstrates a commitment to transparency and ensuring the faithful delivery of gifts, reflecting God's orderly nature and Paul's own meticulous leadership.