1 Corinthians 16:2

2. The first day of the week Greek, μιαν σαββατων , where the numerical one is for an ordinal first, agreeing with ημερα , day, understood. The other word, in either singular or plural, had come to signify week. This direction, which would for the same reason be extended to all the Pauline Churches, indicates the early adoption by Gentile Christians of a seven-day division of time, peculiar heretofore to the Jews. It was the earliest establishment of the Christian week, with “the Lord’s day” at its head. St. Paul’s objection in his Epistle to the Galatians, that they “observe days,” stands not in the way of his enjoining upon these very Galatians to “observe” this day. St. John (Revelation 1:10) inspiredly recognises this day as a Christian institution, and the question, Dominicum servasti? Hast thou kept the Lord’s day? was a test of Christian profession and a qualification for martyrdom. Justin Martyr, whose life covers the forty years of the formation of the New Testament canon, says, “Upon the so-called sun’s day there are meetings of all dwelling in both cities and country.” See note on Acts 20:7. The decalogue requires the keeping one day in seven publicly, organically, religiously; but it does not prescribe which day shall be the observed “seventh.” The Jewish Church held that to be its seventh and sabbath which its sacred tradition was in possession of; the Christian Church, by clear apostolic sanction, first elevated the Lord’s resurrection day to the head of its week, and then gradually disused the Jewish sabbath. If, as may be clearly proved, the decalogue is of perpetual obligation, then Sunday is the Christian decalogue sabbath.

Every one Do not expect the rich or the liberal alone to contribute. A mite from each is a mass from the whole. It is wonderful how much may be done by a Church where every one gives his something.

Lay by him So keeping a little savings bank at home, and bringing the whole to the church when the apostle arrives.

Prospered him The poor giving a little, the richer more in proportion.

No gatherings If the whole are made at once they will be scanty, and the apostle’s time will be occupied with moneys which he would rather expend on souls.