1 Corinthians 16:1-24

The Collection. Personal Messages and Conclusion

The Apostle in this chapter instructs the Corinthians to make a collection for the poor Christians in Judæa, intimates his intention of visiting them at an early date by way of Macedonia, and concludes with kind messages of brotherly love. In 1 Corinthians 16:8 he mentions his intention to stay in Ephesus till Pentecost. He probably stayed much longer, owing to the troubles that arose in Corinth; for in our Second Epistle (2 Corinthians 9:2) he speaks of the collection which he here appoints to be made, being ready a year ago. Meanwhile he had probably made the Corinthians a short visit by sea from Ephesus, and returned disappointed. He finally visited them by way of Macedonia, according to his original intention, announced in this chapter after their repentance. On the whole circumstances see Intro, to 2 Cor.

(g) 16:1-4. The Collection

The collection for the Church in Jerusalem was made at St. Paul's request by all the Churches he had founded in the Gentile world, as we learn from his letters and from the list of delegates sent by these Churches to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). The Church in Jerusalem included many poor (Acts 6:1), and the Gentile Churches were enabled to show alike their gratitude to and their sympathy with the Mother-Church by material aid from their more ample resources.