1 Corinthians 16:1
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
concerning
G4012
Περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίους
the saints
G40
ἁγίους
the saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
8 of 18
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
διέταξα
I have given order
G1299
διέταξα
I have given order
Strong's:
G1299
Word #:
10 of 18
to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαις
to the churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίαις
to the churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
12 of 18
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?Romans 12:13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.Galatians 2:10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.Acts 24:17Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.Philemon 1:5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;Philemon 1:7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Historical Context
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians around AD 53-54 from Ephesus during his third missionary journey. The Jerusalem church faced severe poverty due to famine (Acts 11:28-29) and persecution. Paul's collection from Gentile churches served both humanitarian needs and theological purposes—proving that the Gentile mission produced authentic Christianity and fostering unity between ethnically divided communities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does systematic, planned giving differ from spontaneous charity, and what does Paul's organizational approach teach about Christian stewardship?
- What does the collection for Jerusalem saints reveal about the relationship between doctrine and practical love?
- How might modern churches foster unity across cultural and economic divides through intentional acts of generosity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now concerning the collection for the saints—Paul introduces logeia (λογεία), a commercial term for collecting taxes or money, here sanctified for gathering relief funds for the impoverished Jerusalem church. This collection was crucial to Paul's theology of Gentile-Jewish unity in Christ, demonstrating that Gentile churches owed a debt to the mother church from which the gospel originated (Romans 15:26-27).
As I have given order to the churches of Galatia—The same systematic collection plan was implemented across Paul's mission field. This reveals Paul's organizational skill and his commitment to tangible expressions of the "fellowship of the saints" (koinonia). The Jerusalem collection occupies significant space in Paul's letters (2 Corinthians 8-9, Romans 15), demonstrating that practical Christian charity is inseparable from theological orthodoxy.