Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 16:1-9

"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem: and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me. But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia; but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go. For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost; for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." — 1 Corinthians 16:1-9 (ASV)

The good examples of other Christians and churches should rouse us. It is good to store up for good uses. Those who are rich in this world should be rich in good works (1 Timothy 6:17, 18). The diligent hand will not make rich without the Divine blessing (Proverbs 10:4, 22). And what more proper to stir us up to charity to the people and children of God, than to look at all we have as his gift?

Works of mercy are real fruits of true love to God, and are therefore proper services on his own day. Ministers are doing their proper business when promoting or helping works of charity. The heart of a Christian minister must be towards the people among whom he has laboured long, and with success.

All our purposes must be made with submission to the Divine providence (James 4:15). Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by the hardness of his hearers' hearts, and the backslidings of professors, than by the enemies' attempts.