- flows on from 15:58; like Matt.6:20. The collection came about because of a famine in the world, which was especially severe in Judea
- Acts 11:27-30; Gal.2:10; note 2 Cor.8-9. The Corinthians had specifically raised this issue – hence ‘now concerning’ in 16:1; see e.g. 7:1; later he refers to this collection (Rom.15:25-27).
- Our giving is to be regular.
- 16:1-2; note Acts 20:7. An expression of Gal.6:10.
- ‘as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.’ 2 Cor.9:7; Deut.14:28-29.
- Our giving is to be proportionate.
- the Christian is to give ‘as he may prosper’ or ‘in keeping with his income’ (NIV). Luke 21:1-4; 1 Tim.6:17-19; Prov.3:9-10; 11:24.
- the inscription on the tomb of Robert of Doncaster: ‘What I gave, I have; what I kept, I lost.’ In 1776 the English tax commissioners accused John Wesley of hiding plate from them, and so failing to pay excise tax on it. When he died in 1791, it was found that he only possessed a few coins in his pockets and dresser drawers.
- Our handling of money is to be above board.
- 15:3-4. Paul is very circumspect when it comes to money.
- 2 Cor.8:16-21
- 1 John 3:17-18.