Giving Together 1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: The first verse of chapter 16 concerns a collection which was to be taken up by the church in Corinth and sent to needy saints in Jerusalem. The exact cause of their poverty is not known. Paul had already given orders to the churches of Galatia in connection with this very matter, and he now instructs the Corinthians to respond in the same manner that the Galatian saints had been exhorted to do. 1 Corinthians 16:2 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. Although the instructions given in verse 2 were for a specific collection, yet the principles involved are of abiding value. First of all, the laying by of funds was to be done on the first day of the week. Here we have a very strong indication that the early Christians no longer regarded the Sabbath or seventh day as an obligatory observance. The Lord had risen on the first day of the week, the Day of Pentecost was on the first day of the week, and the disciples gathered together on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7). Now they are to lay something aside for the saints on the first day of the week. The second important principle is that the instructions concerning the collections were for each one. Rich and poor, slave and free, all were to have a part in the sacrifice of giving of their possessions. Further, this was to be done systematically. On the first day of the week they were to lay something aside, storing up. It was not to be haphazard, or reserved for special occasions. The gift was to be set aside from other money and devoted to special use as occasion demanded. Their giving was also to be proportionate. This is indicated by the expression as he may prosper. That there be no collections when I come. The Apostle Paul did not want this to be a matter of last-minute arrangement. He realized the serious possibility of giving without due preparation of heart or pocketbook. 1 Corinthians 16:3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. Verses 3 and 4 give us very valuable insight into the care that should be taken with funds that are gathered in a Christian assembly. It is noticeable, first, that the funds were not to be entrusted to any one person. Even Paul himself was not to be the sole recipient. Secondly, we notice that the arrangements as to who would carry the money were not made arbitrarily by the Apostle Paul. Rather, this decision was left to the local assembly. When they selected the messengers, Paul would send them to Jerusalem. 1 Corinthians 16:4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. It might be decided that Paul should also go to Jerusalem. If so, the local believers would travel with him. Paul said, “they will go with me,” instead of "I will go with them." This might suggest Paul's authority as an apostle. Paul’s Personal Plans 1 Corinthians 16:5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). At the end of a 3 year stay in Ephesus, Paul wrote his letter and probably gave it to Timothy to deliver (v. 10). Paul originally planned to follow Timothy a short while after (4:19), visiting Corinth on the way to and from Macedonia (2Co 1:15, 16). He had to change his plan and visit only after a longer stay in Ephesus (v. 8), then on to Corinth after Macedonia, to stay for a while (vv. 6, 7). 1 Corinthians 16:6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. :7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. :8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. Paul might stay with the believers in Corinth for the winter. Then they would help him continue his journey. He won't see them on his way to Macedonia this time. However, he hopes to stay with them later if God allows. Before leaving Macedonia, Paul plans to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost. We know this letter was written from Ephesus because of verse 8. 1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. Paul saw a great chance to serve Christ in Ephesus at that time. But he also knew he had many enemies there. This verse shows us something that is always true about serving God: there are always opportunities to help, but there is also always an enemy trying to cause problems and stop us in any way they can. Closing 1 Corinthians 16:10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. The apostle adds a word concerning Timothy. If this devoted young servant of the Lord came to Corinth, they should receive him without fear. Perhaps this means that Timothy was naturally of a timid disposition, and that they should not do anything to intensify this tendency.