Taking a Collection for the Church in Jerusalem
July 18
On April 27 and 30 we looked at the Old Covenant model of Tithing and compared it to the New Covenant model of giving. Paul discusses the New Covenant model in today’s Bible reading. He recommends the Corinthians give as he instructed the Galatians: each person is to set aside a sum of money to be sent to the church in Jerusalem. (1 Corinthians 16:2) He doesn’t tell them how much to set aside, only that it should be in keeping with their prosperity. This Greek word is used when discussing well-doing. Unlike prosperity preachers, Paul isn’t talking about a guaranteed tit-for-tat return on their giving.
He says he doesn’t want to have to pass a hat when he arrives at the Corinthian church during his next visit. He simply says everyone should set aside their gift so they can pass it along to the church at Jerusalem. He invites the church to send messengers to accompany him. (1 Corinthians 16:3–4) By inviting someone to accompany him, he’s offering accountability to ensure that the gifts will be delivered upon arrival in Jerusalem.
Paul tells them that he wants to return for an extended period of time. (1 Corinthians 16:7) As we have seen previously, Paul wants to spend time with them, presumably to teach them, and to encourage them to grow in their faith. He mentions several of his colleagues who may come to visit with them, and he encourages the church to watch out for and encourage these brothers. (1 Corinthians 16:10–11)
In his final exhortation, he tells them to be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love. Paul looks back to chapter 13, as he urges they be motivated by love in everything they do.
Application
In his appeal to be motivated by love, Paul reminds the church how they should conduct themselves. Sometimes things which should go without saying need to be said anyway. And that’s what Paul does. Oftentimes, we need to be reminded, too. Paul’s final remarks apply to us, as well.
So, be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love.