Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 16:1

"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye." — 1 Corinthians 16:1 (ASV)

First Corinthians CHAPTER 16

The doctrinal part of this epistle was closed at the end of the 15th chapter. See the Introduction. Before closing the epistle, Paul turns to some subjects of a miscellaneous nature, and particularly to the subject of a collection for the poor and persecuted Christians in Judea, which was very important to him, and to which he several times refers in his epistles. See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 16:1.

He had suggested this subject to them when he was with them, and they had expressed, some time before, the greatest readiness to make the collection, and Paul had commended their readiness when he was urging the same subject in Macedonia. See 2 Corinthians 9. It is evident, however, that for some cause, perhaps owing to the divisions and contentions in the church, this collection had not yet been made.

Paul, therefore, calls their attention to it and urges them to make it, and to forward it either by him alone, or with others whom they might designate, to Judea (1 Corinthians 16:1–4). In connection with this, he expresses his intention of coming to Corinth, and perhaps of passing the winter with them.

He was then in Ephesus. He was expecting to go to Macedonia, probably on the business of the collection. He intended not to visit them on his way to Macedonia, but on his return. He had formerly intended to pass through Corinth on his way to Macedonia, and had perhaps given them such an intimation of his purpose (2 Corinthians 1:16–17).

But for some cause (see Barnes on 2 Corinthians 1:15, also 2 Corinthians 1:16–23) he tells the Christians that he had abandoned the purpose of seeing them on the way to Macedonia, though he still intended to go to Macedonia, and would see them on his return (1 Corinthians 16:5–7).

At that time, there was a state of things in Ephesus that required his presence. His labors were greatly blessed; and, as a consequence that often attends the successful preaching of the gospel, there was much opposition. He had resolved, therefore, to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8–9).

In the meantime, to show them his deep interest in them, he informed them that Timothy was coming among them, for whom he asked a kind and cordial reception, and assured them that he had endeavored to persuade Apollos to visit them, but was not able (1 Corinthians 16:10–12).

Paul then urges them to watch, be firm, and live in love (1 Corinthians 16:13–14). He then urged them to show particular attention to the family of Stephanas, the first fruits of Achaia (1 Corinthians 16:15–16).

He expresses his gratitude that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus had come to him at Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:17–18). They were probably the persons by whom the Corinthians had sent their letter (1 Corinthians 7:1), and by whom Paul sent this epistle.

He then closes the whole epistle with Christian salutations; with an expression of regard in his own handwriting; with a solemn charge to love the Lord Jesus Christ, as the great thing to be done, and with the assurance that, if not done, it would expose the soul to a dreadful curse when the Lord should come; with an invocation of the grace of the Lord Jesus to be with them; and with a tender expression of his own love to them all (1 Corinthians 16:19–24).

Now concerning the collection for the saints. The use of the article here shows that he had mentioned it to them before, and that it was a subject which they would readily understand. It was not new to them, but it was only necessary to give some instructions regarding the manner in which it should be done, and not regarding the occasion for the collection, or the duty of making it. Accordingly, all his instructions relate simply to the manner in which the collection should be made.

The word translated collection (logiav) does not occur anywhere else in the New Testament and is not found in classical writers. It is from legw, to collect, and undoubtedly here refers to a contribution, or collection of money for a charitable purpose.

The word saints (agiouv) here refers, undoubtedly, to Christians—to the persecuted Christians in Judea. There were many there, and they were generally poor and exposed to various trials. Regarding the meaning of this word, and the circumstances and occasion of this collection, see Barnes on Romans 15:25 and Romans 15:26.

As I have given order. dietaxa. This means as I have directed, instructed, commanded, or arranged. It does not mean that he had assumed the authority to tax them, or that he had commanded them to make a collection, but that he had left directions as to the best manner and time in which it should be done.

The collection was voluntary and cheerful in all the churches (Romans 15:26–27; 2 Corinthians 9:2), and Paul did not assume authority to impose it on them as a tax. Nor was it necessary. Self-denial and liberality were among the distinguishing virtues of the early Christians; and to be a Christian then implied that believers would freely share their property to aid the poor and the needy.

The order related solely to the manner of making the collection; and as Paul had suggested one method to the churches in Galatia, he recommended the same now to the Corinthians.

To the churches of Galatia. Galatia was a province in Asia Minor. Regarding its location, see Barnes on Acts 16:6.

There were evidently several churches planted in that region. See Galatians 1:2. At what time he gave this order to the churches is not mentioned, though it was undoubtedly on occasion of a visit to the churches there. See Acts 16:6.