Read & explore together
The Collection for the Saints
Paul gives practical instructions for a collection for the saints. In these verses, he teaches the Corinthians to give regularly, personally and in an orderly way so that the gift can be delivered well.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This short part of the letter begins with “Now concerning”, showing Paul is addressing a specific matter. He speaks about a collection for the saints, tells the Corinthians to follow the same instruction given to the assemblies of Galatia, and explains how the gift should be prepared and carried to Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:1–4Main takeaway
This passage teaches planned and accountable giving for God’s people.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A shared instruction for the churchesPaul speaks about “the collection for the saints” and tells the Corinthians to do as he commanded the assemblies of Galatia.
Explanation
Paul speaks about “the collection for the saints” and tells the Corinthians to do as he commanded the assemblies of Galatia. The gift is not presented as a random idea for one church only. These words show a common instruction being given to more than one group of believers.
02Regular and personal savingPaul says, “On the first day of every week, let each one of you save”. Giving is described as regular, with a repeated weekly pattern, and personal, because each person is to take part.
Explanation
Paul says, “On the first day of every week, let each one of you save”. Giving is described as regular, with a repeated weekly pattern, and personal, because each person is to take part. The amount is linked to how someone “may prosper”, so the saving matches each person’s situation.
03Prepared before Paul arrivesPaul wants the money set aside ahead of time “that no collections are made when I come”. His instruction aims for readiness rather than last-minute pressure.
Explanation
Paul wants the money set aside ahead of time “that no collections are made when I come”. His instruction aims for readiness rather than last-minute pressure. The verse focuses on preparation, so the church’s gift can already be gathered instead of being organised only when Paul is present.
04Approved messengers and lettersWhen Paul arrives, the Corinthians themselves will approve the people who carry the gift to Jerusalem.
Explanation
When Paul arrives, the Corinthians themselves will approve the people who carry the gift to Jerusalem. Paul says he will send them “with letters” to take their “gracious gift”. This shows care in handling the offering and makes clear that the church has a role in choosing trusted representatives.
05Paul’s involvement if fittingPaul adds, “If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.” He does not insist on his own involvement in every detail.
Explanation
Paul adds, “If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.” He does not insist on his own involvement in every detail. Instead, he allows for what is fitting, while keeping the main plan clear: the gift is to be carried to Jerusalem by approved people.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What repeated pattern does Paul give for setting aside the collection?
Look for the time marker and the instruction in verse 2 about when and how often saving should happen.
02How does Paul describe who should take part and how much they should save?
Notice the phrases “each one of you” and “as he may prosper”, which describe both participation and proportion.
03What details in verses 3 and 4 show care in delivering the gift to Jerusalem?
Look for who approves the messengers, the use of letters, and the condition about whether Paul goes too.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Corinthians 16:1–4
1Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.
2On the first day of every week, let each one of you save as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.
3When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
4If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.