1 Corinthians 16:1-4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 16:1

Verse 1 1.But concerning the collection Luke relates (Acts 11:28) that the prediction of Agabus, foretelling that there would be a famine under Claudius Caesar, gave occasion for alms being collected by the saints, with the view of affording help to the brethren in Jerusalem. For though the Prophet had foretold, that this calamity would be generally prevalent almost throughout the world, yet as they were more heavily oppressed with penury at Jerusalem, and as all the Gentile Churches were... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 16:2

Verse 2 2.On one of the Sabbaths. The end is this — that they may have their alms ready in time. He therefore exhorts them not to wait till he came, as anything that is done suddenly, and in a bustle, is not done well, but to contribute on the Sabbath what might seem good, and according as every one’s ability might enable — that is, on the day on which they held their sacred assemblies. The clause rendered on one of the Sabbaths, ( κατὰ μίαν σαββάτων ,) Chrysostom explains to mean — the first... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 16:3

Verse 3 3.And when I come As we are cheerful in giving, when we know for certain, that what we give is well laid out, he points out to the Corinthians a method, by which they may be assured of a good and faithful administration — by selecting approved persons, to whom they may intrust the matter. Nay more, he offers his own services, if desired, which is an evidence that he has the matter at heart. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 16:1

Now concerning the collection for the saints. "The saints" are here the poor Christians at Jerusalem ( Romans 15:26 ). The subject weighed much on St. Paul's mind. First, there was real need for their charity, for at Jerusalem there was as sharp a contrast between the lots of the rich and poor as there is in London, and the "poor saints," being the poorest of the poor ( James 2:5 ), must have often been in deep distress. Not many years before this time, in the famine of Claudius, ( Acts... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

The law of Christian giving. It is interesting to note that one of the first and most natural expressions of the Christian spirit was a consideration of the needs of the poorer members of the Church, and a readiness to share what good things were possessed with them. Of this spirit Barnabas is presented to us as offering the highest example ( Acts 4:36 ). His thought and feeling in this matter had very probably influenced his companion St. Paul. We can well understand that the Jewish... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Christian philanthropy. "Now concerning the collection for the saints," etc. At the outset three truths are suggested. 1. That in the highest theological discussion the urgency of practical benevolence should never be overlooked. Immediately after the apostle had passed through the discussion on the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, he says, "Now concerning the collection." Practical benevolence is for many reasons more important than the grandest theological doctrine; it is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Church gifts. There are few interests in human life which can be separated from the consideration of money. Money is the first necessity of governments, and it is the sinews of war. In business, in professional life, in industrial pursuits, pecuniary considerations are prominent, perhaps paramount. It is no otherwise in religion; and, however some superfine Christians may object to associating anything so base as money with what is the loftiest of human interests, no way has been found of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Concerning the collection. I. THE NECESSITY OF GIVING . 1. For maintenance of public worship in our own community. Churches should aim at self support. Assuredly there should be no unwillingness to give where we ourselves reap the advantage. And often the return, being spiritual, infinitely exceeds all that we part with. 2. For various works which have for their object the dissemination of the truth or the relief of the needy. Gospel at home is good, but we must see... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 16:1-5

Charity; its systematic mode of exercise. If these Corinthians shared the thoughts and emotions of St. Paul on love, on the uses of gifts, and on the resurrection, they were well prepared to have practical duties urged on their immediate attention. At that time "the collection for the saints" was a very important matter. These saints were poor disciples in Jerusalem, who needed foreign help, the Church in that city being unable, because of impoverishment, to render them adequate... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 16:1-18

Directions and arrangements. read more

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