1 Corinthians 16:1-4
1Co 16:1 But about the collection for the holy ones, follow the directions I gave to the churces of Galatia.
1Co 16:2 On the first day of a week, each of you must put something aside, storing it by himself, depending on how much he has gained, so that no collections have to be taken when I come.
1Co 16:3 Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters from me to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
1Co 16:4 And if it there is cause for me to go also, they will travel with me.
serious spiritual business
Paul puts this last bit of advice at the end of his letter, which brings us to a question. Is Paul just tacking this chapter on as an appendix, or are the issues he brings up here part of the broad category of spiritual (12:1) things? I take it as the latter. Collecting funds for the needy is not just practical business. Relief work is serious spiritual business. Money matters, not because it is money, but because it is a tangible way of showing love to the needy.
LORD, may we learn to practice the spiritual discipline of helping the needy.
