1Now concerning the collection for the saints — as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you yourselves do. [16:2] On the first of the Sabbath let each of you put aside by himself, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I come, collections are not then being made. [16:3] And when I have arrived, whomever you shall approve, these I will send with letters to carry your bounty to Jerusalem. [16:4] And if it is suitable also for me to go, they will go with me.
1CO 16:1-4
The Collection for the Saints
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Greco-Roman world, the collection for the saints in Jerusalem would have been understood within the framework of communal solidarity and reciprocity. The term '' (collection) implies a formal, organized gathering of resources, often for religious or charitable purposes, reflecting the early Christian practice of mutual aid. The recipients, referred to as '' (saints), were not merely pious individuals but members of the Jerusalem church, set apart by their faith and in need of support due to economic hardship or famine. The instruction to set aside funds 'every first Sabbath' likely refers to Sunday, the day of Christian worship, indicating a deliberate integration of this practice into their communal rhythm. The mention of letters of approval underscores the importance of trust and accountability in handling such funds, a common concern in Roman patronage systems. The voluntary nature of the gift, described as '' (grace), highlights the ethos of generosity rather than obligation, aligning with early Christian values of communal care and solidarity.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
1CO 16:1
- KJV
- Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
- BSB
- Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:
- Koinōnos
- Now concerning the collection for the saints — as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you yourselves do.
1CO 16:2
- KJV
- Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
- BSB
- On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
- Koinōnos
- On the first of the Sabbath let each of you put aside by himself, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I come, collections are not then being made.
1CO 16:3
- KJV
- And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
- BSB
- Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
- Koinōnos
- And when I have arrived, whomever you shall approve, these I will send with letters to carry your bounty to Jerusalem.
1CO 16:4
- KJV
- And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
- BSB
- And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me.
- Koinōnos
- And if it is suitable also for me to go, they will go with me.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1CO 16:1
- collection:The word translated 'collection' here specifically refers to a gathering of contributions, often for charitable or religious purposes, highlighting its intentional and organized nature.
- saints:The term translated 'saints' refers to those set apart by God for His purposes, emphasizing their consecrated status rather than their moral perfection.
1CO 16:2
- Sabbath:The word translated 'Sabbath' refers to the seventh day of the week, observed as a day of rest and worship, rooted in Jewish tradition.
1CO 16:3
- bounty:The word translated 'bounty' carries the broader sense of grace, favor, or a gift given freely and generously, often implying goodwill and kindness.