What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:2? On the first day - Paul points to Sunday, the day the risen Lord appeared (John 20:1, 19) and the early church gathered (Acts 20:7). - The wording treats this timing as fixed, not optional; God’s people literally began their week with worship and generosity. of every week - Giving was to be weekly, matching the regular rhythm of gathering (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42). - Regularity guards us from occasional, emotional spurts of giving and builds a steady habit of faithfulness. each of you should set aside - Every believer, not merely the well-off or the especially zealous, bore personal responsibility (2 Corinthians 9:7). - This keeps the church’s support from resting on a few; it is the shared privilege of the whole body (Romans 12:4-8). a portion of his income - The amount is proportionate, tied to God’s provision (Deuteronomy 16:17). - Scripture models both tithing (Malachi 3:10) and freewill offerings (Luke 21:1-4); the point here is intentional, percentage-based giving rather than a random leftover. saving it up - By laying funds aside ahead of time, believers practice wise stewardship (Proverbs 6:6-8) and avoid last-minute pressure. - It also keeps the gift ready for God’s timing (1 Timothy 6:18-19). so that when I come - Paul anticipated an in-person visit (1 Corinthians 4:19), and he wanted the relief gift for Jerusalem saints ready (Romans 15:25-26). - Planning ahead freed the apostle to focus on ministry rather than fundraising. no collections will be needed - Advance preparation removed urgency and awkwardness (2 Corinthians 9:5). - It protected the integrity of both giver and messenger, ensuring the offering would be a willing blessing, not a reluctant reaction. summary 1 Corinthians 16:2 lays out a simple, Spirit-guided pattern: every believer, every week, sets aside a planned, proportionate gift, storing it until delivery. Regular, intentional giving honors the Lord’s resurrection day, fosters unity, sustains gospel work, and frees God’s servants for ministry rather than last-minute appeals. |
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