1 Corinthians 16:1

Contextual Overview

¹ Now, about the collection of money for God's people: Do the same as I told the Galatian churches to do. ¹ Now concerning the contribution for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. ¹ Of the gadderynge for the saynctes as I have ordeyned in the congregacios of Galacia even so do ye. ¹ Now concerning the collection for the holy ones, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. ¹ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you are to do as well.¹ Now I will write about the collection of money for God's people. Do the same thing I told the Galatian churches to do: ¹ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so you also do. ¹ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. ¹ Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. ¹ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

concerning: Acts 11:28, Acts 11:30, Acts 24:17, Romans 15:25, Romans 15:26, 2 Corinthians 8:1 - 2 Corinthians 9:15, Galatians 2:10

the saints: Acts 9:41, Romans 12:13, 2 Corinthians 9:12-15, Philemon 1:5, Philemon 1:7, Hebrews 6:10, 1 John 3:17

the churches: Acts 16:6, Acts 18:23, Galatians 1:2

Reciprocal: Acts 11:29 - to send Romans 16:4 - also 1 Corinthians 4:17 - my ways 1 Corinthians 6:1 - the saints 1 Corinthians 7:17 - so ordain 1 Corinthians 11:16 - the churches 2 Corinthians 8:4 - the ministering 2 Corinthians 9:3 - ye may

Cross-References

Genesis 11:30
Now Sarai was barren; she had no child.

Genesis 11:30
And Sarai was barren; She had no child.

Genesis 11:30
Sarai was not able to have children.

Genesis 11:30
But Sarai was barren; she had no children.

Genesis 11:30
But Sarai [was] barren; she had no child.

Genesis 11:30
Sarai was barren. She had no child.

Genesis 11:30
But Sarai was barren; she did not have a child.

Genesis 11:30
Sotheli Saray was bareyn, and hadde no children.

Genesis 11:30
And Sarai is barren -- she hath no child.

Genesis 11:30
But Sarai was barren; she had no children.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Now concerning the collection for the saints,.... Not at Corinth, but at Jerusalem, as appears from 1 Corinthians 16:3 for the poor saints there, who were reduced to poverty, either through the spoiling of their goods by their persecuting countrymen; or through the selling of their possessions, and putting their substance into one common stock, which was now exhausted, partly by their living upon it, and partly by the expending of it for the enlargement of the interest of Christ, and the spread of his Gospel among the Gentiles; so that it was but fit and reasonable that they should assist them in their necessitous circumstances: wherefore the apostle, after he had gone through the various subjects he thought fit to write upon, relating both to doctrine and practice, proceeds to give some orders, directions, and instructions, concerning this matter.

As I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. The churches of Galatia were those he wrote an epistle to, which bears their name, and in which he takes notice of the request of the apostles at Jerusalem to him, that he would remember the poor as he travelled through the Gentile countries, and which, no doubt, he mentions, as a hint unto them to collect for them. Galatians 2:10 though the order he here speaks of was doubtless given them when he passed through the region of Galatia, Acts 16:6. This he observes by way of example to the church at Corinth, and to show them, that what he ordered them was no other than what he enjoined other churches, and which they were ready to come into, as these in Galatia, and also in Macedonia; and designs this as a spur unto them, that if the Galatians, who were a more rude and uncultivated people, being now called by grace, were ready to such a good work, they who were a more polite people, and used to civility, humanity, and tenderness, would not be backward to it.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Now concerning the collection for the saints - The use of the article here shows that he had mentioned it to them before, and that it was a subject which they would readily understand. It was not new to them, but it was needful only to give some instructions in regard to the manner in which it should be done, and not in regard to the occasion for the collection, or the duty of making it. Accordingly, all his instructions relate simply to the manner in which the collection should be made. The word rendered “collection” (λογία logia) does not occur anywhere else in the New Testament, and is not found in the classic writers. It is from λέγω legō, to collect, and, undoubtedly, here refers to a contribution, or collection of money for a charitable purpose. The word “saints” (ἁγίους hagious) here refers, doubtless, to “Christians;” to the persecuted Christians in Judea. There were many there; and they were generally poor, and exposed to various trials. In regard to the meaning of this word, and the circumstances and occasion of this collection; see the notes on Romans 15:25-26.

As I have given order - (διέταξα dietaxa). As I have directed, enjoined, commanded, arranged. It does not mean that he had assumed the authority to tax them, or that he had commanded them to make a collection, but that he had left directions as to the best manner and time in which it should be done. The collection was voluntary and cheerful in all the churches Romans 15:26-27; 2 Corinthians 9:2; and Paul did not assume authority to impose it on them as a tax. Nor was it necessary. Self-denial and liberality were among the distinguishing virtues of the early Christians; and to be a Christian then implied that a man would freely impart of his property to aid the poor and the needy. The order related solely to the manner of making the collection; and as Paul had suggested one mode to the churches in Galatia, he recommended the same now to the Corinthians.

To the churches of Galatia - Galatia was a province in Asia Minor. On its situation, see the note on Acts 16:6. There were evidently several churches planted in that region; see Galatians 1:2. At what time he gave this order to the churches there is not mentioned; though it was doubtless on occasion of a visit to the churches there; see Acts 16:6.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

CHAPTER XVI.

The apostle exhorts the Corinthians to make a contribution for

the relief of the poor Christians at Jerusalem; and directs to

the best mode of doing it, 1-4.

Promises to pay them a visit after pentecost, 5-9.

Gives directions about the treatment of Timothy and Apollos,

10-12.

And concerning watchfulness, c., 13, 14.

Commends the house of Stephanas, and expresses his satisfaction

at the visit paid him by Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus,

15-18.

Sends the salutations of different persons, 19, 21.

Shows the awful state of those who were enemies to Christ, 22.

And concludes the epistle with the apostolical benediction,

23, 24.

NOTES ON CHAP. XVI.

Verse 1 Corinthians 16:1. The collection for the saints — περι της λογιας, from λεγω, to gather, or collect translated by the Vulgate, de collectis, a contribution made by the rich for the relief of the poor. The Christians living at Jerusalem, we may naturally suppose, were greatly straitened; as the enmity of their countrymen to the Gospel of Christ led them to treat those who professed it with cruelty, and spoil them of their goods; (see Hebrews 10:34; and Romans 15:26; and Romans 15:27;) and the apostle hereby teaches that it was the duty of one Christian congregation to help another when in distress.