Wednesday, June 25 – 1 Corinthians 16, 2 Corinthians 1

1. What instructions did Paul give the church in Corinth regarding the offering for Jerusalem? (1 Corinthians 16:2)

2. How much was each person to give? (1 Corinthians 16:2)

3. Who sent greetings to the Corinthians from a house church in Ephesus? (1 Corinthians 16:19)

After addressing questions and clarifying the resurrection at Christ’s second coming, Paul concludes his letter by discussing the offering for the poor in Jerusalem. He had organized a system where the newly established Gentile churches, in addition to meeting their own needs, would send offerings to support the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.

From Paul’s writings, we learn that the plan was not to establish isolated churches but interconnected communities that shared resources. These churches operated under the leadership of the apostles and workers appointed by them. Workers from Corinth traveled to consult Paul in Ephesus about issues facing the local church (1 Corinthians 16:15–18).

The spirit of unity promoted by Paul is evident in his greetings exchanged among churches: “The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you” (1 Corinthians 16:19–20, NKJV).

Although Paul’s primary ministry was missionary, focused on spreading the gospel among the Gentiles, he was not an independent worker despite past disagreements with the Judaizers in Jerusalem (and even with Peter). He held a deep love for the church in Jerusalem and the work of God at large.
Remarkably, churches in Europe and Asia sent support to Jerusalem despite the great distance.
From the reminder in 1 Corinthians 16:1–2, we learn important principles of Christian stewardship:

1. Paul teaches systematic benevolence through systematic benevolence rather than giving solely in response to emotional or emergency appeals. As he said elsewhere, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

2. The offering was to be set aside on the first day of the week before any other expenses were incurred. God was to be honored first.

3. The offering was designated at home, not a spontaneous response during Sabbath service.

4. Giving should be proportional to one’s income, “as he may prosper,” rather than a fixed amount (1 Corinthians 16:2).

5. Following this plan would make emotional appeals during Paul’s visits unnecessary.

Like the church in Corinth, we should not focus solely on our own needs. We are privileged to support God’s work elsewhere through our tithes and offerings. In addition to local offerings, we also have the Sabbath School mission offering, the Thirteenth Sabbath offering, investment funds, and two loose offerings a month during the Sabbath service. While most offerings remain in the local church, as they should, those directed toward broader mission efforts also fulfill a vital role. God’s church is not just local; it is global. As Paul quoted Jesus: “You must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35, NKJV).

Paul concludes his pastoral letter in his own handwriting, as was his custom. He often employed a scribe because of his eye condition, likely resulting from his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus.

Paul wrote the second letter to the Corinthian church of Macedonia just a few months after the first. Unexpected events in Ephesus forced him to leave early and go to Macedonia. Corinth was the city; Achaia was the region.

In the opening chapter, Paul reveals that he faced serious trouble in Ephesus, so severe that he even despaired of life (2 Corinthians 1:8). He requests their prayers and reflects on the purpose of affliction, noting that God comforts us through them so that we may comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3–6). He also discusses his travel plans and reminds them that “all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NKJV).

I pray that the lessons revealed in these letters will remain in our hearts. May our experience today be that all the promises of God in Jesus for us are “Yes,” and in Him, “Amen.”