What does 1 Corinthians 16:2 mean?
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. 1 Corinthians 16:2
Explanation
1 Corinthians 16:2 contains a directive from the Apostle Paul regarding the collection of offerings within the Corinthian church. The verse speaks to the early Christian practice of setting aside funds as a form of communal support. It addresses the manner and timing of these contributions, suggesting a regular, systematic approach to giving. Paul instructs the members of the church to each set aside a sum of money on the first day of the week, correlating with Sunday, which had become the primary day of Christian worship by this time. The phrase “as God hath prospered him” implies that the amount given should be proportional to the individual’s financial success or blessings. Additionally, by pooling their resources in advance, the Corinthians could ensure that the collection was ready upon Paul’s arrival, negating the need for a hurried gathering of funds.
Historical Context
The historical context of 1 Corinthians 16:2 is rooted in the early Christian community in Corinth, a thriving cosmopolitan city in Greece. This letter from Paul was written approximately in the mid-50s A.D. Paul himself founded the church in Corinth and stayed in contact with its members. The Christian tradition of gathering on the first day of the week to break bread and worship was becoming established, as it commemorated Jesus’ resurrection, which happened on a Sunday. The practicalities of supporting the church, assisting the poor, and facilitating missionary work required the collection of funds. Asking for this to be done prior to his arrival suggests the organization and planning were key elements in church activities and reinforced the idea of a collective responsibility for the needy.
Theological Insights
Different theological viewpoints can extract varied insights from 1 Corinthians 16:2:
- A Protestant perspective may emphasize the individual’s direct responsibility to steward their resources wisely and generously as part of their act of worship.
- The Catholic tradition might highlight the communal aspect of giving and the structured approach to support the Church’s works of charity and maintenance.
- A Pentecostal interpretation could focus on the spiritual principle of giving as a reflection of God’s prosperity and blessing in one’s life.
- The Orthodox church may see this verse as part of the liturgical and sacramental life of the Christian community, emphasizing the unity and continuity of practice from the early church.
Practical Applications
The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life as follows:
- Encouraging regular and planned charitable giving, reflecting on how one is prospered by God.
- Instilling the practice of setting aside time and resources for communal gatherings and the act of sharing.
- Promoting the idea of proactive preparation for community needs to avoid last-minute pressures.
- Fostering a culture of giving that aligns with individual ability rather than equal amounts.
Cross-References
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
- Acts 20:35 – “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Language Study
In the original Greek text, key phrases can be examined for a deeper understanding:
- “εἰς ἑαυτὸν θησαυρίζων” (eis heauton thesaurizōn), meaning “lay by him in store,” conveys the sense of setting something aside for safekeeping.
- “καθὸ καὶ εὐοδοῦται” (kathō kai euodoutai), “as God hath prospered him,” suggests that the measure of prosperity is individual and provided by God.
- “κατὰ μίαν σαββάτου” (kata mian sabbatou), “upon the first day of the week,” reflects the early Christian shift to Sunday worship.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
The principle of setting aside resources can be compared with various cultural and religious practices:
- Ancient Jewish tradition prescribed tithing, which is giving one-tenth of one’s income to the Temple or as charity.
- Greco-Roman societies had practices of benefaction where wealthy patrons contributed to public works, reflecting civic generosity.
- Many ancient religious systems had forms of sacrificial offerings, though these were typically material or animal rather than monetary.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific perspective, the verse touches on the concept of resource allocation and planning, which can be related to economics and psychological theories on altruism and group cooperation. Studies in behavioral economics show that planned giving can lead to increased charitable donations, and psychology finds that regular prosocial behavior like giving is associated with greater individual well-being.
Commentaries
Various biblical experts and scholars offer interpretations of 1 Corinthians 16:2:
- John Chrysostom, an early Church father, emphasized the communal nature of the act of giving, teaching that it should be done with unanimity and not as an afterthought.
- Contemporary evangelical commentators like John MacArthur stress the importance of systematic giving as part of disciplined spiritual life.
- Biblical scholars often note the planning aspect of Paul’s instruction, showing an early example of structured church governance.
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