May 15, 2005

CONCERNING THE COLLECTION

1 Corinthians 16:1-5

 

   In reply to several questions from the church at Corinth , Paul saved the matter of collecting funds for the saints at Jerusalem until last. He already instructed the churches of Galatia in this matter. To the Macedonians he pointed to the giving of the Corinthians, and to the Romans he told about the giving by both Macedonians and the Corinthians. Later to the Corinthians he wrote, “I know the forward-ness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia [Greece, Corinth] was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many” (2 Cor. 9:2). What is this but considering “one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24)?

   If any wonder how Paul could change subjects so abruptly, from the resurrection to giving, wonder no more. Did not that presentation close exhorting them to be, “steadfast, immoveable, always abound-ing in the work of the Lord...”? Did he not add, “our labor is not in vain in the Lord”? What better opportunity to show “the sincerity of our love” than by giving to meet the needs of others?

   Paul wrote them of the “grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia .” We ask, just what did he mean by “grace bestowed”? He explained this “grace” to be the “sacrificial giving” by those churches. In their deep poverty they had given so generously that they had to beg Paul, “with much entreaty,” that he would accept so large an offering. They gave, not only finances, “but first gave their own selves to the Lord.” This pattern of gracious giving was to be duplicated by Titus in Corinth , “that as he [Titus] had begun, so also he would finish in you this same grace also” (2 Cor. 8:1-6). Could it be that this same grace is to be duplicated in us today?

   In 2 Corinthians we read that “God loves a cheerful giver,” that one “who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Again, “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet...He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich” (8:9). The work of the cross is shown here as the grace of His giving! May we give heed!

 

Ivan L. Burgener