I Corinthians 16
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Commentaries
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The collection for the saints - Περι - της λογιας, from λεγω, to gather, or collect; translated by the Vulgate, de collectis, a contribution made by the rich for the relief of the poor. The Christians living at Jerusalem, we may naturally suppose, were greatly straitened; as the enmity of their countrymen to the Gospel of Christ led them to treat those who professed it with cruelty, and spoil them of their goods; (see Heb 10:34; and Rom 15:26; and see the note Rom 15:27); and the apostle hereby teaches that it was the duty of one Christian congregation to help another when in distress.
Open source ↗DIRECTIONS AS TO THE COLLECTION FOR THE JUDEAN CHRISTIANS: PAUL'S FUTURE PLANS: HE COMMENDS TO THEM TIMOTHY, APOLLOS, &C. SALUTATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS. (1Co. 16:1-24) collection for the saints--at Jerusalem (Rom 15:26) and in Judea (Act 11:29-30; Act 24:17; compare Co2 8:4; Co2 9:1, Co2 9:12). He says "saints" rather than "the poor," to remind the Corinthians that in giving, it is to the Lord's people, their own brethren in the faith. Towards the close of the national existence of the Jews, Judea and Jerusalem were harassed with various troubles, which in part affected the Jewish Christians. The community of goods which existed among them for a time gave temporary relief but tended ultimately to impoverish all by paralyzing individual exertion (Act 2:44), and hence was soon discontinued. A beautiful fruit of grace it was, that he who had by persecutions robbed many of their all (Act 26:10), should become the foremost in exertions for their relief. as I have given--rather, "gave order," namely, during my journey through Galatia, that mentioned in Act 18:23. The churches of Galatia and Phrygia were the last which Paul visited before writing this Epistle. He was now at Ephesus, and came thither immediately from visiting them (Act 18:23; Act 19:1). That he had not been silent in Galatia on contributions for the poor, appears from the hint let fall in his Epistle to that church (Gal 2:10): an undesigned coincidence and mark of genuineness [PALEY, HorÃ&brvbr PaulinÃ&brvbr]. He proposes the Galatians as an example to the Corinthians, the Corinthians to the Macedonians, the Corinthians and Macedonians to the Romans (Rom 15:26-27; Co2 9:2). There is great force in example.
Open source ↗Now concerning the collection for the saints,.... Not at Corinth, but at Jerusalem, as appears from Co1 16:3 for the poor saints there, who were reduced to poverty, either through the spoiling of their goods by their persecuting countrymen; or through the selling of their possessions, and putting their substance into one common stock, which was now exhausted, partly by their living upon it, and partly by the expending of it for the enlargement of the interest of Christ, and the spread of his Gospel among the Gentiles; so that it was but fit and reasonable that they should assist them in their necessitous circumstances: wherefore the apostle, after he had gone through the various subjects he thought fit to write upon, relating both to doctrine and practice, proceeds to give some orders, directions, and instructions, concerning this matter. As I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. The churches of Galatia were those he wrote an epistle to, which bears their name, and in which he takes notice of the request of the apostles at Jerusalem to him, that he would remember the poor as he travelled through the Gentile countries, and which, no doubt, he mentions, as a hint unto them to collect for them. Gal 2:10 though the order he here speaks of was doubtless given them when he passed through the region of Galatia, Act 16:6. This he observes by way of example to the church at Corinth, and to show them, that what he ordered them was no other than what he enjoined other churches, and which they were ready to come into, as these in Galatia, and also in Macedonia; and designs this as a spur unto them, that if the Galatians, who were a more rude and uncultivated people, being now called by grace, were ready to such a good work, they who were a more polite people…
Open source ↗In this chapter Paul closes this long epistle with some particular matters of less moment; but, as all was written by divine inspiration, it is all profitable for our instruction. He begins with directing them about a charitable collection on a particular occasion, the distresses and poverty of Christians in Judea, which at this time were extraordinary, partly through the general calamities of that nation and partly through the particular sufferings to which they were exposed. Now concerning this observe, I. How he introduces his direction. It was not a peculiar service which he required of them; he had given similar orders to the churches of Galatia, Co1 16:1. He desired them only to conform to the same rules which he had given to other churches on a similar occasion. He did not desire that others should be eased and they burdened, Co2 8:13. He also prudently mentions these orders of his to the churches of Galatia, to excite emulation, and stir them up to be liberal, according to their circumstances, and the occasion. Those who exceeded most churches in spiritual gifts, and, as it is probable, in worldly wealth (see the argument), surely would not suffer themselves to come behind any in their bounty to their afflicted brethren. Note, The good examples of other Christians and churches should excite in us a holy emulation. It is becoming a Christian not to bear to be outdone by a fellow-christian in any thing virtuous and praise-worthy, provided this consideration only makes him exert himself, not envy others; and the more advantages we have above others the more should we endeavour to exceed them. The church of Corinth should not be outdone in this service of love by the churches of Galatia, which do not appear to have been enriched with equal spiritual gifts nor outwar…
Open source ↗16:1-4 Paul answers the Corinthians’ question about the offering for poor Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 24:17; Rom 15:25-27; 2 Cor 8–9; Gal 2:10). 16:1 Galatia was a Roman province in Asia Minor (see Acts 16:6; 18:23).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… λογία (logía, G3048) — a contribution εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) ὥσπερ (hṓsper, G5618) — just as, i.e. exactly like διατάσσω (diatássō, G1299) — to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc. ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía, G1577) — a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation… Γαλατία (Galatía, G1053) — Galatia, a region of Asia καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb)
Open source ↗κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… μία (mía, G3391) — one or first σάββατον (sábbaton, G4521) — the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the… τίθημι (títhēmi, G5087) — to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive… ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… θησαυρίζω (thēsaurízō, G2343) — to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively) ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same ἄν (án, G302) εὐοδόω (euodóō, G2137) — to help on the road, i.e. (passively) succeed in reaching; figuratively, to succeed in… ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… παραγίνομαι (paragínomai, G3854) — to become near, i.e. approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… δοκιμάζω (dokimázō, G1381) — to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἐπιστολή (epistolḗ, G1992) — a written message τούτους (toútous, G5128) — these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition) πέμπω (pémpō, G3992) — to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas (as a stronger form… ἀποφέρω (apophérō, G667) — to bear off (literally or relatively) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… ὦ (ō, G5600) — (may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with G1487 (εἰ) and its… ἄξιος (áxios, G514) — deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… κἀγώ (kagṓ, G2504) — so also the dative case , and accusative case and (or also, even, etc.) I, (to) me σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… ἐμοί (emoí, G1698) — to me
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… διέρχομαι (diérchomai, G1330) — to traverse (literally) Μακεδονία (Makedonía, G3109) — Macedonia, a region of Greece γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τυγχάνω (tynchánō, G5177) — akin to the base of G5088 (τίκτω) through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or… παραμένω (paraménō, G3887) — to stay near, i.e. remain (literally, tarry; or figuratively, be permanent, persevere) ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… παραχειμάζω (paracheimázō, G3914) — to winter near, i.e. stay with over the rainy season πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) προπέμπω (propémpō, G4311) — to send forward, i.e. escort or aid in travel μέ (mé, G3165) — me οὗ (hoû, G3757) — at which place, i.e. where ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἄρτι (árti, G737) — just now ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πάροδος (párodos, G3938) — a by-road, i.e. (actively) a route δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐλπίζω (elpízō, G1679) — to expect or confide ἐπιμένω (epiménō, G1961) — to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object χρόνος (chrónos, G5550) — a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from G2540 (καιρός), which… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐπιμένω (epiménō, G1961) — to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Ἔφεσος (Éphesos, G2181) — Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor ἕως (héōs, G2193) — a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place) πεντηκοστή (pentēkostḗ, G4005) — fiftieth (G2250 (ἡμέρα) being implied) from Passover, i.e. the festival of "Pentecost"
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) θύρα (thýra, G2374) — a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐνεργής (energḗs, G1756) — active, operative ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) μοί (moí, G3427) — to me πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἀντίκειμαι (antíkeimai, G480) — to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… Τιμόθεος (Timótheos, G5095) — dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) βλέπω (blépō, G991) — to look at (literally or figuratively) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἀφόβως (aphóbōs, G870) — fearlessly γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,… ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗ἐξουθενέω (exouthenéō, G1848) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. προπέμπω (propémpō, G4311) — to send forward, i.e. escort or aid in travel ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. εἰρήνη (eirḗnē, G1515) — peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… μέ (mé, G3165) — me γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) Ἀπολλῶς (Apollōs, G625) — Apollos, an Israelite παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θέλημα (thélēma, G2307) — a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose,…
Open source ↗γρηγορεύω (grēgoreúō, G1127) — to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively) στήκω (stḗkō, G4739) — to be stationary, i.e. (figuratively) to persevere ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… ἀνδρίζομαι (andrízomai, G407) — to act manly κραταιόω (krataióō, G2901) — to empower, i.e. (passively) increase in vigor
Open source ↗γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
Open source ↗Cross-references
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If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.
This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.
After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.
After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.