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Priscilla: I Corinthians 16:1-11
The Collection for the Saints – Plans for Travel

Dear God, my Beloved Father, I offer You my praise and gratitude for the Eternal Living Word of God that You bestow upon me every day. I pray that Christ may grant me renewed strength and heal any weaknesses or illnesses that exist within my physical body. I pray that the Holy Spirit may enlighten my spirit. I give thanks to Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Father, today I present to you my reflections on I Corinthians 16:1-11 regarding the contributions of the Church and the plans of Paul.

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

Verse 1: I understand that the Apostle Paul instructed the people of God in Corinth to learn from and follow the example of the local Churches in Galatia, in terms of contributing to support the impoverished people of God who were suffering. These were individuals who endured persecution for their faith and experienced hunger and poverty in Jerusalem and Judea at that time. I understand that today, every member of the Church of God should also have a heart of offering to the Lord, obeying the teachings of God, and helping our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need of financial assistance. This is an expression of love through action, of serving one another, and a pleasing sacrifice to God. Each member of the Church of God is a part of the body of Christ and therefore has responsibilities and duties towards one another. The people of God should view the teachings of the Apostle Paul as commands from God. The people of God should remember, “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16).

2 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.

Verse 2: I understand that after the Sabbath, which is the last day of the week, the people of God would resume their work on the first day of the week. Therefore, Paul advised them to set aside a portion of their income from the very beginning of their work to contribute and provide relief for their poor brothers and sisters in Christ. In this way, when Paul arrived, the offering would already be prepared, and he would not need to engage in the collection of contributions.

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

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

Verses 3 and 4: I understand that the Apostle Paul had a plan that when he returned to Corinth, he would send the individuals chosen by the Corinthian Church to represent the Church. They would bring the financial contribution, along with letters from the Church and from Paul himself, and deliver them to the apostles in Jerusalem. However, if the Corinthian Church deemed it necessary for Paul to accompany them, then those individuals would travel together with Paul. Paul was willing to do whatever was beneficial for the Church, to instill trust in the Church regarding the work of the Lord.

5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

Verses 5 to 7: I understand that the Apostle Paul informed the people of God in Corinth that before he could come to them, he needed to visit Macedonia. There, he would visit the Church in Philippi, the Church in Thessalonica, and the Church in Berea. These were also the Churches that he had established, and he desired to visit them again and encourage them. The Apostle Paul planned that after he arrived at the Church in Corinth, he would stay with them for a few months, engaging in ministry and building up their faith, if it was God’s will. He also hoped that the Church in Corinth would provide support for his upcoming missionary journey.

8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Verses 8 and 9: I understand that while the Apostle Paul was writing the letter of I Corinthians to the people of God in Corinth, he was staying in the city of Ephesus. He informed them that he would remain there until Pentecost, which is the end of spring. As the work of preaching the Gospel in Ephesus was yielding positive results, he had the opportunity to bring many people to salvation. However, the Apostle Paul also faced significant opposition from both Jewish and non-Jewish adversaries.

10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

Verses 10 and 11: I understand that Timothy was the one who delivered the letter of I Corinthians to the Church in Corinth. The Apostle Paul sent Timothy to Corinth to help the people of God there refute false teachings within the Church. He instructed them to receive Timothy with kindness and attentiveness, as Timothy wholeheartedly served the Lord just like Paul. The Apostle Paul advised the Church in Corinth not to disregard Timothy as a young man, for he was a servant of the Lord and deserved respect. The Apostle Paul hoped that after Timothy fulfilled the entrusted task, the Church would assist him in returning to Ephesus in peace. Paul and his companions were awaiting Timothy in Ephesus.

Father, please help every one of Your people understand that offering to help our brothers and sisters in the faith is the duty of the people of God. Each offering to assist others should be according to one’s ability. Whether it is little or much, it should come willingly from a heart of reverence for God and love for our fellow children of God. Please help us follow the example of that widow from ancient times who gave two small coins worth only a fraction of a penny. Yet, it was all the money she had. And Jesus praised her as the one who gave the most among those who offered. I am grateful, Father. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
06/07/2023