Giving of Money and Time
December 16, 2022
Commentary
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 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):
1. Offerings need to be made regularly: “Upon the first day of the week” (vv. 1-2).
2. Every person needs to give: Whether rich or poor (v. 2). Jesus commanded “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8).
3. Giving is to be proportionate: not just a little (v. 2).
4. The money needs to be handled honestly: (vv. 3-4) It is unfortunate that many Christian ministries lose their testimony because of mismanaged 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 so he can take advantage of every opportunity (vv. 5-9). 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. His plans had to be revised and he ended up not spending as much time in Corinth as he hoped.
Application
I need to ask God each day what opportunities He is giving to me. Instead of complaining about the obstacles, I need to take advantage of the opportunities and leave the results with the Lord.
1 Corinthians 16:1– 12 (NET)
1 With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia: 2 On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will go with me.
5 But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia—for I will be going through Macedonia— 6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you can send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me, but there are many opponents.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I am too. 11 So then, let no one treat him with contempt. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers.
12 With regard to our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was simply not his intention to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity.