Collection For The Saints In Jerusalem
July 17, 2022
Commentary
One of the things in Christian circles that tends to be done in a careless manner is stewardship or the handling of money. The apostle Paul in this passage organizes the collection of funds for the saints in Jerusalem so that it will be managed honestly and faithfully. Especially in financial matters, the apostle is very much aware of his vulnerability to criticism. We can find here the qualifications for people handling funds in a local church or Christian organization:
1. A desire to serve (vv. 16-17). Titus had a desire to help in the gathering of this special offering and was not just put on this Finance Committee because no one else would do it.
2. A burden for lost souls (v. 18). We do not know who this brother was, but we are told that he had a desire to share the gospel. Every Finance group needs to be burdened for lost souls.
3. A desire to honor God (v. 19). When a church selects deacons or elders, to handle the “spiritual affairs” of the church, and trustees to handle the “material and financial affairs,” it is making an unbiblical distinction. One of the most spiritual things a church can do is use its money wisely for spiritual ministry.
4. A reputation for honesty (vv. 20-22). It is very unwise for anyone to handle funds in a Christian organization by himself. There needs to be at least two and preferably three people who collect and count it to avoid any accusations.
5. A cooperative spirit (vv. 23-24). Finance Committee members do not own the money. It belongs to the Lord, and they just manage it.
Application
Of the qualifications mentioned above which ones do I need to work on the most?
2 Corinthians 8:16– 24 (NET)
16 But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you, 17 because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager, he is coming to you of his own accord. 18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in spreading the gospel. 19 In addition, this brother has also been chosen by the churches as our traveling companion as we administer this generous gift to the glory of the Lord himself and to show our readiness to help. 20 We did this as a precaution so that no one should blame us in regard to this generous gift we are administering. 21 For we are concerned about what is right not only before the Lord but also before men. 22 And we are sending with them our brother whom we have tested many times and found eager in many matters, but who now is much more eager than ever because of the great confidence he has in you. 23 If there is any question about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; if there is any question about our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ. 24 Therefore show them openly before the churches the proof of your love and of our pride in you.