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

Dear God, my Beloved Father, I respectfully offer my praise and gratitude to You. You are the Almighty God and my Father in Heaven. My heart is stirred as I read various documents about history and science, realizing that the data and evidence from history and scientific knowledge confirm the truthfulness of the Bible. I firmly believe that the Eternal Living Word of God is true. However, when I come across external testimonies that affirm the truths of the Bible, my heart rejoices. I long for the day when I will enter the heavens, explore the universe, and have a full understanding of God’s marvelous creation. I believe that day is not far away and can be counted with each breath. Now, I pray to Christ for renewed strength and to the Holy Spirit to enlighten my spirit so that I may live a peaceful and fulfilling day, meditating on Your Word and serving You. I am thankful to the Triune God.

Father, I would like to present my meditation on I Corinthians 16:1-11.

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

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.

Verses 1 and 2: I understand that at the end of the letter, Paul reminds the Church in Corinth about the collection for the saints in Judea, including those in Jerusalem. At that time, there was a severe famine in the land, and the people of God in Jerusalem were also being persecuted by the Jewish leaders. Earlier, Paul had gathered contributions from the Churches in Galatia for the relief efforts. He instructed that after every Sabbath, when the people of God returned to work on the first day of the week, they should set aside a portion of their income for the offering to support the saints in Judea. Most of the believers at that time were laborers who earned wages or engaged in small businesses, earning daily profits. Therefore, they could set aside a portion of their daily income for the offering.

I am aware that some people believe that Paul taught the believers to give offerings every Sunday during their gatherings. However, during that time, the people of God observed the Sabbath on Saturday and returned to work on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. It was because they had money from their work that they were able to set aside a portion for the offering. The believers at that time had a habit of gathering in the evenings at their private homes. On the Sabbath, they would go to the synagogues of the Jews to listen to the reading and preaching of the Old Testament Scriptures. At that time, the New Testament Scriptures were not yet available. The Old Testament Scriptures were expensive handwritten copies, and only the synagogues or the homes of the wealthy had them. Therefore, the people of God had to go to the synagogues to hear the Scriptures read and preached.

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 gave the Church in Corinth a choice. They could either send representatives with the financial offering and the letter from the Church, as well as Paul’s own letter, to Jerusalem to deliver them to the apostles. Alternatively, if they preferred, Paul himself was willing to accompany those representatives. Paul worked in a transparent and open manner, allowing the local Churches to make their own decisions, especially concerning matters related to finances. This was a shining example for those who serve God in positions of leadership.

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 5-7: I understand that the Apostle Paul had planned to travel through Macedonia before coming to Corinth, starting from Ephesus. This was because he desired to visit the Churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul also intended to stay in Corinth for an extended period. It could be from the beginning of that summer until the beginning of the following spring, if the Lord permitted. He hoped to have ample time to spend with the Church in Corinth. Additionally, Paul hoped that the Corinthian Church would assist him in his upcoming journey. Perhaps Paul recognized the need for more time to teach the people of God in Corinth.

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 the Apostle Paul desired to stay in Ephesus until the Feast of Pentecost, which meant until the end of spring. The reason he gave was that in Ephesus, “a great door and effectual” was opened to him. The “door” symbolizes an opportunity for righteous work. “Effectual” means successful, achieving the intended purpose. Paul meant that the Lord had opened an opportunity for him to proclaim the Gospel in Ephesus, and many people had received the Gospel through his preaching. The opponents of Paul were the Jews who followed the Jewish religion and the foreign idolaters who were craftsmen of the temple of the goddess Artemis, also known as Diana by the Romans (Acts 19).

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 Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to receive Timothy in the same way they would receive him, for Timothy was also a servant of the Lord, just like Paul. Perhaps Paul gave this instruction because Timothy was still young, while the elders in the Church in Corinth were older and held positions of influence in society, which could make Timothy feel intimidated. It is also possible that Paul wanted the Church to stand with Timothy against false teachers spreading false doctrines. Whatever the reason, the people of God should not disregard those who serve the Lord. On the contrary, they have a duty to honor and obey them, to care for their needs, and to provide the means to support their service to the Lord. Paul expected Timothy to return to Ephesus with him and his companions in peace.

Father, the Apostle Paul was truly diligent in his every work. Every advice, request, and announcement he made showed his genuine concern for the people of God and the work of the Lord. I pray that You grant me a faithful and dedicated heart to serve the Lord and love the Church as Paul did. I thank You, Father. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Timothy Christian Huynh
06/07/2023