Giving of Money and Time

I Corinthians 16:1–12
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Giving

In this passage, Paul answers a question the Corinthian believers had asked about a collection he was taking for the poor and then shares his personal travel plans. The Corinthians had apparently heard from the Galatian churches that he was taking an offering for the poor in Jerusalem. How we handle our finances is often a good measure of our relationship with the Lord. In answering their question about money, Paul gives some important principles on giving (vv. 1-4):

Offerings need to be made regularly, “Upon the first day of the week” (vv. 1-2).
Every person needs to give, whether rich or poor (v. 2). Jesus commanded in Mt. 10:8, “Freely you have received, freely give.”
Giving is to be proportionate, not just a little (v. 2).
The money needs to be handled honestly (vv. 3-4). It is unfortunate that many Christian ministries lose their testimony because they mismanage funds.

Paul was as careful in his use of time as he was in his use of money. Someone has said that killing time is the chief occupation of modern society. The apostle shares his travel plans and makes assignments so he can take advantage of every opportunity (vv. 5-12). He was in Ephesus when he wrote this letter. From there he planned to travel to Macedonia for a time of ministry, being in Corinth during the winter, when it would be difficult to travel. Then he was to go to Judea to make the collection. However, because of various circumstances, his plans had to be revised at least twice and he ended up not spending as much time in Corinth as he had hoped or as they had expected.

Application

I need to ask God each day what opportunities He is giving to me. Instead of complaining about the obstacles I have, I need to take advantage of the opportunities and leave the results with the Lord.

I Corinthians 16:1-12 (English Standard Version)

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

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More I Corinthians commentaries

Giving of Money and Time

I Corinthians 16:1–12» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Application

I Corinthians 16:1-12 (English Standard Version)

I Corinthians 16:1–12
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)