1 Corinthians 16:3
“And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.”
Context:The book of 1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. In this particular verse, Paul is addressing a collection that is being taken for the saints in Jerusalem who were experiencing hardship.
The purpose of the collection:The church in Corinth was called upon to make a financial contribution for the benefit of the believers in Jerusalem who were facing severe economic difficulties. The purpose of this collection was to express unity and fellowship within the body of Christ, demonstrating the love and care for one another.
Approval by letters:Paul mentions that the Corinthian church should choose individuals who would be entrusted with the responsibility of delivering their offering to Jerusalem. These individuals would need to be approved by the church, perhaps through a formal letter of recommendation or commendation, to ensure their trustworthiness and suitability for the task.
Liberality:The term “liberality” refers to generosity or giving freely. The Corinthian church was encouraged to give generously from their resources to support the believers in Jerusalem who were in need. This act of giving was an expression of their love, compassion, and willingness to help their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
The principle of giving:This verse highlights the principle of giving in the Christian life. It emphasizes the importance of generosity, not only in financial matters but also in extending love, support, and care to those in need. Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian church serves as a reminder to believers today that we have a responsibility to help and support one another, especially in times of hardship.
Application:As believers, we can apply the principles from this verse in various ways. We are called to be generous with our resources, whether it be financial assistance, time, talents, or other forms of support. Just as the Corinthian church was encouraged to care for the needs of the Jerusalem believers, we should also be actively involved in meeting the needs of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This can be done through contributions to the church, supporting charitable organisations, volunteering, or simply offering a helping hand to those in need.
