1 Corinthians 16:2

“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.”

Context:The book of 1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to address various issues and concerns in the church at Corinth. In this particular chapter, Paul provides instructions and guidelines regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem.

The first day of the week:The phrase “upon the first day of the week” refers to Sunday, which is when early Christians gathered to worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It became a customary practice for the early believers to come together on the first day of the week.

Laying by in store:Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside a portion of their income or possessions “lay by him in store.” This indicates the act of saving or storing resources for a specific purpose. The saved resources were to be used for the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, showing their solidarity and support for fellow believers facing difficulties.

As God has prospered him:Each person was instructed to set aside their contribution according to how God had blessed them. This implies that the amount to be given should be based on the individual’s ability and the measure of prosperity God had granted them. It encourages proportional giving based on one’s means.

No gatherings when I come:Paul wanted the Corinthians to have their collections ready so that there would be no need for last-minute gatherings when he arrived. This would allow the focus of his visit to be on matters of teaching, edification, and fellowship, rather than scrambling to gather contributions.

• Regular giving:The instruction to set aside a portion on the first day of the week emphasizes the principle of consistent and intentional giving. It encourages believers to prioritize their financial contributions to support the work of the church and those in need.
• Proportional giving:Paul’s emphasis on giving according to how God has prospered each person teaches us the importance of proportional giving. It means that those who have been blessed with more should give more, while those with less should give according to their means. This promotes fairness and generosity within the body of Christ.
• Preparedness and planning:Paul’s desire to avoid last-minute collections teaches us the value of preparedness and planning. By setting aside contributions regularly, believers can be ready to support various needs and ministries, both locally and globally, without disruption or urgency.
• Support for fellow believers:The instruction to collect for the saints in Jerusalem highlights the importance of caring for and supporting fellow believers in times of need. It reminds us of our responsibility to demonstrate solidarity and love by providing practical assistance to those facing hardships.

Overall, 1 Corinthians 16:2 encourages believers to engage in regular, proportional giving as an expression of their faith, while emphasizing the importance of preparedness, planning, and supporting fellow believers.