Read 1 Corinthians 16:1–24
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a
sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that
when I come no collections will have to be made.
1 Corinthians 16:2
It is unfortunate when Christian ministries lose their testimony
because they mismanage funds entrusted to them. Paul was very
careful not to allow anything to happen that would give his enemies
opportunity to accuse him of stealing funds (2 Cor. 8:20–21).
This explains why Paul encouraged the churches to share in the
offering and to select dependable representatives to help manage it.
Paul was not against individuals giving personally; in 1 Corinthians
16:10–20, he named various individuals who assisted him. This no
doubt included helping him with his financial needs. But generally
speaking, Christian giving is church centered. Many churches encourage
their members to give designated gifts through the church treasury.
It is interesting that Paul mentioned the offering just after his
discussion about the resurrection. There were no “chapter breaks” in
the original manuscripts, so the readers would go right from Paul’s
hymn of victory into his discussion about money. Doctrine and duty
go together; so do worship and works.
Something to Ponder
What connection do you see between Jesus’ resurrection and your
giving to the church?