Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. (I Corinthians 16:1-4)
Paul concluded this letter to the church in Corinth with final instruction regarding giving to the saints in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was headquarters for the churches. Remember, Jesus told the eleven disciples, "...you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” ... Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (Acts 1:8, 12-14)
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty),... And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:15, 26) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. (Acts 2:4-6)
And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:40-42, 46-47)
As a result of the growth of the church in Jerusalem, ...the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God...; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:2-4,7) But when the church began to be persecuted, Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. (Acts 8:4)
However, the apostles stayed in Jerusalem. After Paul's conversion, And when Saul [Paul] had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus... (Acts 9:26-29)
Eventually Peter would travel away from Jerusalem and go through all parts of the country, and also among the Gentiles, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. (Acts 9:32 - Acts 10) But when he was finished traveling, the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him,... When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” (Acts 11:1-2, 18)
When a prophet, ... Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. (Acts 11:28-29) When apostles and disciples finished their missionary journeys, for example, ...Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark. (Acts 12:25)
And when questions arose about the Gentile converts, ...they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. ... Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.(Acts 15:2, 6) Once they discussed and came to agreement over the situation by the Holy Spirit's guidance, Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. ... So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.(Acts 15:22, 30-31)
The purpose of all this background is to justify that it was right for all the churches throughout the world at that time to take up a collection for the saints, and send their gift to Jerusalem. And the same is true for us today! We should also, Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12:10-13) There are a lot of saints who sacrifice everything to devote themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. We should all have a heart to help these saints and ministries with a sacrificial gift.
Paul concluded the letter with various instructions, acknowledgements and greetings:
Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore
let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he
may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren. Now concerning our
brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren,
but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come
when he has a convenient time. (I Corinthians 16:5-12)
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. (I Corinthians 16:13-18)
The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. (I Corinthians 16:19-24)
After completing this first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul writes to the church in Galatia...
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