Concerning the Collection

Each and every Lord’s Day, God’s people collectively assemble together to engage in divinely authorized acts of New Testament worship. The Greek term translated “worship” denotes paying homage, respect, and obeisance. When God’s people worship, they truly are demonstrating their love, esteem, and reverence to their Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. Every act of New Testament worship has been designed by God for His people to admire and adore Him. Thus, we sing songs to lift up our voices in praise unto Him (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). We send prayers into the throne room of God extolling Him and seeking His mercies (Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 2:1-8). We deeply contemplate His word as His message is echoed from the pulpit (Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 4:1-2). We gather around the table and commemorate the death of our Lord in the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29). We also give back a worthy portion of our financial blessings to show our love for God and help do His work on the earth (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). In doing these things, we worship Him!

It may seem strange to some to count financial giving as an act of worship. Some may even affirm giving is not an act of worship at all! However, giving, just as praying, singing, and any other act of worship is an action of homage, respect, and obeisance. Such is worship, as per John 4:24. Though we are not under the Old Covenant, those in Judaism (even the Patriarchal age) worshipped through contributions. Even their sacrifices were called “offerings” in many passages. Similarly, we bring an offering to the Lord each Lord’s Day as we contribute to His treasury. Our financial contribution is an act of worship, but it is also an act which enables God’s work to be done on the earth. Seeing this act is so important, we would do well to consider some things concerning the collection in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.

First, Paul teaches the practice of collecting.

The apostle said, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The phrase “lay by him in store” denotes the practice of setting something aside and giving it to the Lord. This setting aside and giving is to be done “on the first day of the week” as a directive from God. Therefore, when God’s people assemble for worship, they are to give into God’s treasury an amount they have set aside to contribute to His cause. Furthermore, this action is to be done with the same regularity of the Lord’s Day assembly. The weekly contribution of the saints is God’s formula to raise and produce money to do His work. The New Testament knows nothing of bake sales, car washes, pancake breakfasts, or charging fees of God’s people to raise money for His cause. Instead, we have the practice of collection.

Second, Paul discusses the participants in the collection.

Paul’s inspired mandates for giving include every member of the body of Christ. Paul said, “let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Each Christian is to purpose in their hearts and give back to God proportionally and liberally. In other words, the collection involves the rich and the poor alike. All have been “prospered” by God, and all should give back to God accordingly. Any financially blessed Christian who refuses to participate in the collection is robbing God and their brethren (Malachi 3:7-12). Any poor Christian who refuses to participate in the collection for fear of their livelihood fails to demonstrate the faith of the poor widow (Luke 21:1-4). Nobody can sing for me, pray for me, take the Lord’s Supper for me, or financially give for me. Giving involves all of God’s saints!

Third, Paul reveals the purpose of the collection.

God’s penman wrote, “that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2). There were pressing needs for which this money was being raised among God’s people. Instead of Paul having to go home by home to raise this money when he arrived, it was collected (i.e. gathered together) previously by means of the weekly contribution. In a practical sense, in went into a treasury out of which it would be drawn to fulfill needs and do God’s work. Though some may scoff at the notion of a church treasury, such has always been in existence among God’s people whereby they could do God’s bidding. The Jews had a treasury (1 Chronicles 29:8; Ezra 2:69; Nehemiah 7:71; Mark 12:41-44). Jesus and His disciples had a treasury (John 13:27-29). The New Testament even reveals the local congregations in the first century had church treasuries (Acts 2:42-47; Acts 11:29-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). It must be mentioned, however, this treasury is to be used, and it is to be used for God’s purposes. The New Testament never authorizes a congregation to hoard up the Lord’s money like a bank, and it surely never warrants a congregation to use His money on trivial affairs. The Christian’s giving is to fill the church treasury so the treasury can be used to fulfill God’s mission!

– Brandon Baggett