What is the "collection for the saints" that Paul talks about here?

The “collection for the saints” is a money gift Paul is organizing for poor believers in Jerusalem. Many of them were suffering because of persecution and hard times, and their resources had run low. Paul asks the church in Corinth to join other churches in setting aside funds to help them. This is not a tax but a loving response to fellow Christians in need. It shows that believers in different places belong to one family and should share what they have when others are in trouble.

Why does Paul say to give on the first day of the week?

Paul points to the first day of the week because that is when believers gathered for worship. It was a natural time to remember the needs of others, when their hearts were already turned toward God and one another. Setting money aside then helped them be steady and thoughtful in their giving, not rushed at the last minute. It tied their acts of mercy to their worship, so caring for the poor was not an afterthought, but part of their regular life before God.

What does "lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him" mean?

“Lay by him in store” means to put something aside on purpose, not just give whatever is left over. Paul wants each person to decide ahead of time what to set aside. “As God hath prospered him” means the amount should match how God has blessed that person. Those who have more can give more, and those with less still share what they can. Giving is not meant to be forced, but a willing, proportionate response to God’s kindness in providing for their needs.

Why does Paul want the collection finished before he arrives?

Paul says he wants “no gatherings” when he comes. He does not want a rushed or pressured fundraiser when he is there. His main work among them is to teach and build them up, not to run money drives. By planning ahead, the church can give calmly and freely, and the gift can be sent quickly to Jerusalem, where the need is urgent. It also protects Paul from any suspicion that he is stirring people up just to get money while he is present.

Who handles the money in this passage, and why is that important?

Paul tells the church to choose people they approve to carry the gift to Jerusalem. He is ready to send those chosen brothers, and even to go with them if the size of the gift calls for it. This shows that the money belongs to the church, not to Paul. Trusted members handle it, and Paul is open and careful about the process. It guards against misuse of funds and lets the givers see that their offering is treated with respect and honesty.

Why were the believers in Jerusalem in need of financial help?

The believers in Jerusalem were facing serious poverty. Some had lost their goods through persecution. Others had sold their property early on to support the work and to help each other, and over time that shared fund was used up. On top of this, there were wider troubles in their land. All of this left many of them in need. Because they had given so much for the spread of the good news, it was fitting that Gentile churches now help them in their hardship.

What does this passage show about how churches should think about money and care for others?

This passage shows that churches should see money as something God gives so they can meet needs, not just live comfortably. Paul calls them to regular, planned giving, shaped by how God has prospered each person. The goal is to help real people facing real trouble, especially fellow believers. It also shows that gifts should be handled in an open, careful way, with trusted people involved. In all of this, love, not pressure, is meant to guide the way they use their resources.

1Cor.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.

The Collection for the Saints

Instructions and Greetings

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

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.

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.