July 11; 2021
THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS AT JERUSALEM
INTRODUCTION:
1. Paul now descends from the sublime truth of the resurrection to a very practical matter of church administration, particularly that of collecting money for the saints at Jerusalem.
2. His familiar introductory formula, “now concerning,” suggests that the collection was another matter of which the Corinthians had requested further guidance and instruction. However, since this was a subject of less importance than the others about which they had inquired, Paul addressed it last. Even though a matter of less moment, as all was written by divine inspiration, this too is profitable for our instruction.
3. It seems that poverty prevailed in the church at Jerusalem, more than in any other place. This was probably due to the extreme persecution that the saints there suffered. Although Paul was undervalued and suspected by the Jewish Christians, he labored tirelessly on their behalf, instructing the churches of Galatia and Macedonia to help them. Accordingly, he also instructed the church at Corinth regarding collections for the needy saints at Jerusalem.
I. THE APOSTLE GIVES DIRECTIONS ABOUT THE COLLECTION TO BE MADE FOR THE SAINTS IN JUDEA. (VERSES 1-4)
A. WHAT HE ASKED OF THEM WAS THE SAME AS WHAT HE HAD REQUIRED OF OTHER CHURCHES. (VERSE 1)
1. He did not desire that others should be exempt while they were burdened. (II Cor. 8:13)
2. He would also have them to emulate the example of the Galatian saints, and as a people so blessed, not to come behind the other churches in their liberality.
3. Paul regarded this collection as nothing less than the payment of a debt of gratitude. (Rom. 15:27)
4. He also felt that it would strikingly demonstrate the solidarity of the Gentile churches with the mother church at Jerusalem, and promote unity.
5. Though the contributions were made voluntarily, note the language of authority. “As I have given order.” We ought to cheerfully obey the biblical injunction to freely give, just as we have freely received.
B. HE GAVE PARTICULAR DIRECTION WITH RESPECT TO HOW THE COLLECTION WAS TO BE DONE. (VERSE 2)
1. He instructs as to the time when it was to be made. “Upon the first day of the week.”
a) The offerings were to be collected on the Lord’s Day, when they as Christians were to gather in sacred assembly.
b) “Upon the first day of the week,” or literally, “upon one of the Sabbath,” “the Lord’s day,” it is called. It is the Christian Sabbath, when public assemblies are held and public worship is celebrated, and the Christian institutions and ordinances are attended upon.
c) That the first day of the week was by divine appointment made the Christians’ sacred day may be inferred,
(1) From the distinction put upon the day by our Lord Himself. (John 20:19, 26)
(2) From the greatness of the event which its observance was intended to commemorate. The seventh day was sanctified to commemorate the finished creation. The first day is consecrated to commemorate the resurrection of Christ, upon which the Christian faith is founded.
(3) From its being called by the Apostle John, “the Lord’s day.” (Rev. 1:10)
(4) From the fact that, from the beginning, it was the day on which Christians assembled for worship.
(5) From the uniform practice of the church which has apostolic sanction for its authorization.
2. He instructs as to the manner in which the collection was to be made. “… let everyone lay by in store.”
a) Every member was to himself set apart what he purposed to give, and on the first day of the week put it into the common treasury.
b) If they should thus heed his instruction, there would be no need for collections when he arrived. His time with them could be far better spent than in “serving tables.”
3. He instructs as to the measure in which they were each to lay by in store for the collection. “As God hath prospered him.”
a) The prosperity of each one is according to God’s providence. “As God hath prospered…”
b) God, better than anyone else, knows our ability to give. He requires of us no more than what He has made us able to do.
C. HE GAVE DIRECTION FOR THE DISPOSAL OF THE COLLECTION. (VERSES 3, 4)
1. Whoever the church should approve to carry the money to Jerusalem, Paul would furnish with letters from himself to the proper authorities at Jerusalem. (Verse 3)
2. If, however, it should happen that he go with them, there would, of course, be no need for letters. (Verse 4)
3. Clearly, nothing which involves the church and its ministry, whatever the particular nature, was to be done haphazardly, or carelessly. The offerings were to be collected systematically, and the delivery was to be done judiciously and discreetly.
II. PAUL NEXT TELLS OF HIS PLAN TO VISIT THEM. (VERSES 5-9)
A. HIS COMING WOULD NOT BE ACCORDING TO HIS ORIGINAL PLAN. (VERSES 5-7)
1. It appears from II Cor. 1:15, 16 that his original plan had been to go directly from Ephesus to Corinth and from there into Macedonia, and then back again to Corinth, and from there on to Jerusalem. He now informs them that he would go to Macedonia before going to Corinth.
2. Clearly the Apostle deeply loved the saints at Corinth, and desired to come to them when he might abide a while, provided his other duties would permit. Yet, so eager were the false teachers at Corinth, who despised him, to find grounds of complaint against him, that they made this change of plan a grievous offense, and a proof that he was not to be depended upon either as to his purpose or doctrine. This is apparent from his vindication of himself in the second Epistle. (II Cor. 1:23–2:1)
3. He states his purpose to pass through Macedonia. “… for I do pass through Macedonia.” He was not yet there, but in Ephesus (Verse 8), but he was thinking of passing through it (not abiding, as he purposed to do at Corinth).
4. His reason for not seeing them now was because it would only be a transient visit, and he hoped to be able to abide with them when he came, if the Lord should permit.
a) The Apostle had labored long and hard at Corinth and many there loved him, and he love them. How they must have rejoiced to think that he might be with them for a lengthy stay. They were more than happy to suffer the delay, for surely they would enjoy the benefit of his prolonged presence more than a transient visit.
b) Yet, even with the Apostle Paul, his times and purposes were not in his hands, thus he adds, “if the Lord permit.” Even the great Apostle Paul did not order his own steps. (Psa. 37:23; Jer. 10:23)
5. In Acts 20:2, 3 we find that the plan here sketched was indeed executed. He left Ephesus after the uproar, and went to Macedonia. In the second Epistle he speaks of himself as being in Macedonia. From there he went to Greece, where he abode three months.
6. He knew their love for him, in spite of opposition from those who despised him. He knew that they would count it a privilege to help him on his journey to Jerusalem. (Verse 6) Those who love God’s ministers and the ministry of the Word are always willing to demonstrate their love in practical ways.
B. HIS COMING WOULD BE DELAYED BECAUSE HE WAS NOT YET SUFFERED TO LEAVE EPHESUS. (VERSES 8, 9)
1. Just as surely as the Holy Spirit would not allow Paul to leave their city as soon as he would have, He is now, for similar reasons, detaining him from coming to them. (See Acts 18:6-11)
2. There were two reasons for his remaining at Ephesus.
a) First, the Spirit of God was apparently moving in a mighty way at Ephesus, making the ministry of the Word effectual. (See Acts 19:17-20) Doors of opportunity for ministry were being opened to him. With a preacher of the Gospel, no desire supersedes the desire to see the Gospel prosper and bear fruit.
b) Second, because of the good success of the Gospel, there were many adversaries. Thus, he was compelled to stay in order to combat the opposition. (See Acts 19:23ff) When God gives success to the Gospel, the enemy is certain to be stirred up against it. At such times, we must fight the good fight of faith. We must contend for the faith.
3. Many good lessons are here for us.
a) Our natural inclinations are not necessarily indications of the Lord’s will for us at any given time.
b) Our determinations are to be made for sake of the Gospel first and foremost.
c) When the Holy Spirit is moving, let us recognize that doors of opportunity are being opened to us for Gospel ministry.
d) Let us not see strong opposition as a reason to cease from our labors. Let us rather expect Satan to oppose us, using whatever means he has at his disposal, especially when the Word seems to be growing and prevailing, as it was at Ephesus at that time. (Eph. 19:20)
e) Let us be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might, in the face of fierce opponents of the Gospel. Paul figuratively spoke of these adversaries as beasts, with whom he had fought at Ephesus.
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