1 Corinthians 16:3–4

1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 16.

Concluding Admonitions. 1 Corinthians 16, 1–24.

Regarding the collection for Jerusalem: V. 3. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. V. 4. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Paul's plan included also such care of the money collected as would remove all reason for suspicion. He wanted the congregation at Corinth to elect delegates from their midst, approved men, trusted brethren, and to furnish these men with the proper credentials. All that would be necessary for Paul to do, then, after his arrival, was to direct these men, to send them to Jerusalem, as the bearers of the alms, with the letter of recommendation.

And his interest in this important matter did not stop there, but if it should appear to be worthwhile for him to journey along with them, he intended to do so. There is a hint here that Paul does not care to associate himself with a small and mean charity; the amount must be large enough to warrant his participating in the matter. This was not pride, but a just estimate of the Lord's business.

Note: Since we are only stewards of God's gifts, it is necessary for us always to keep in mind that our contributions for any object named in the Bible must be in proportion to the prosperity which His goodness has granted us. Miserliness in the business of the Church and in true charity will react unfavorably upon the covetous person.