16:1 – “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.” (1 Cor. 16:1 NAU) The idea behind “the collection for the saints” is an economy of abundance (2 Cor. 8:9). In other words, since God in Christ has given us everything for life and godliness, which includes giving of our resources to help believers in need. Listen to what Anthony C. Thiselton says about the word “collection” in v. 1,
“. . . it is theologically entirely appropriate to speak of the collection not as a mundane chore of ‘maintaining’ the church in any routinized mechanistic sense, but of ‘maintaining’ (in the sense of nurturing) others by passing on freely received grace . . .; by tangibly and publicly expressing mutuality and reciprocity in koinonia or partnership; and by serving (diakonia) others, even as Christ has yielded up his riches to serve. All of this brings blessing (eulogia) alike to the one who gives and to the one who receives, “for it is more blessed (even) to give than to receive.”[1]
This is exactly what Paul communicates when he speaks of giving to the poor saints in 2 Cor. 9:6-12,
“Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart-- not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. 9 As it is written: He scattered; He gave to the poor; His righteousness endures forever. 10 Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. 13 They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service. 14 And they will have deep affection for you in their prayers on your behalf because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (2 Cor. 9:6-15 HCSB)
[1] Anthony C. Thiselton, NIGTC The First Epistle to the Corinthians, (Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 2000), 1319.
