Sunday, December 18, 2011

1 Corinthians 16:1-2

HCSB 1 Corinthians 16:1 Now about the collection for the saints: you should do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. 2 On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save to the extent that he prospers, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.

What the Bible Says

What We Claim

Addressed to the churches of Galatia and Corinth (v. 1) (and presumably Macedonia - 2 Cor 8:1)

Addressed to all churches

Not a command (2 Cor 8:8)

A command

For the specific purpose of financially helping the saints who were in poverty (v. 1; 2 Cor 8:14)

Mostly used for institutional purposes rather than personal financial relief of the saints

Had a definite completion (2 Cor 8:10-11)

Never-ending.


HCSB 2 Corinthians 8:1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God granted to the churches of Macedonia.... 3 I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability, 4 they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints.... 6 So we urged Titus that, just as he had begun, so he should also complete this grace to you.... 8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. ... 10 Now I am giving an opinion on this because it is profitable for you, who a year ago began not only to do something but also to desire it. ... 11 But now finish the task as well, that just as there was eagerness to desire it, so there may also be a completion from what you have. ... 13 It is not that there may be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality — 14 at the present time your surplus is [available] for their need, so that their abundance may also become [available] for your need, that there may be equality. ... 18 With [Titus] we have sent the brother [who] was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gift that is being administered by us, ... taking this precaution so no one can find fault with us concerning this large sum administered by us.

So what's the point? We should not be making the claim that "We are commanded in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 to give every first day of the week...".

Use it as an example. Make inferences if you like. But don't claim that it's a command to us for an on-going practice of paying the church mortgage and staff salaries.

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