In every age, man has been obligated to give something back to God. The Lord evaluates our offerings, accepting some, rejecting others (Gen. 4:1-5). Acceptable sacrifices, like that offered by Abel, are “by faith,” i.e., in accordance with God’s revealed word (Heb. 11:4; Rom. 10:17).
Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.” Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell (Gen. 4:1-5).
By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks (Heb. 11:4).
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17).
Let us, therefore, consider 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 to gain a better understanding of this important duty. It is helpful to compare various translations of this verse:
The KJV 1900 reads, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 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.”
The NKJV reads, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”
The NASB reads, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.”
The NIV84 reads, “Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
The ESV reads, “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
The NET reads, “With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia:2 On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come.”
Upon the first day of the week (KJV 1900); On the first day of the week (NKJV); On the first day of every week (NASB); On the first day of every week (NIV84); On the first day of every week (ESV); On the first day of the week (NET)
The first day of the week is a day of spiritual significance in the New Testament. On this day, Jesus rose from the dead, the church was established, the Holy Spirit was given, and the first gospel sermon was preached. Sunday is the day of assembly and worship for believers in the Christian era (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). This practice must not be neglected (Heb. 10:23-25).
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight (Acts 20:7).
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Heb. 10:23-25).
Our giving should be periodic and habitual. Christians contribute of their means as regularly as they observe the Lord’s Supper. Note the inconsistency of most denominations: Religions of men pass the collection plate at every service, any day of the week, but observe the Lord’s Supper on rare occasions, overemphasizing one command while underemphasizing another.
Let every one of you (KJV 1900); let each one of you (NKJV); each one of you (NASB); each one of you (NIV84); each of you (ESV); each of you (NET)
Paul stressed the personal responsibility of every member in giving to the Lord (1 Cor. 16:1-2). The phrase, “each one of you,” occurring frequently in Scripture, emphasizes individual accountability (1 Thess. 2:11-12; Heb. 6:11).
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2:11-12).
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end (Heb. 6:11).
Lay by him in store (KJV 1900); lay something aside, storing up (NKJV); is to put aside and save (NASB); should set aside a sum of money… saving it up (NIV84);is to put something aside and store it up (ESV); should set aside some income and save it (NET)
In other words, in addition to meeting personal obligations (providing for our family, paying taxes, helping others, etc.), we also should support the work of the Lord. Such offerings should be with purpose and planning (2 Cor. 9:6-7). The Greek word proaireō, occurring only here and translated “purposed,” a compound word from pro (before) and haireō (to take, choose), in this context means “to reach a decision beforehand, choose (for oneself), commit oneself to, prefer” (BDAG). Louw and Nida define it as “to come to a decision beforehand,” saying it should be translated “to decide beforehand, to determine ahead of time, to decide upon ahead of time” (30.84).
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:6-7).
Moreover, such giving must be with the right attitude. The word “grudgingly” carries the idea of reluctance and resentment. “Compulsion” speaks of the performance of a distressing duty. Some view the acts of Christian worship as a necessary burden. However, we should not be miserly or miserable in our service to God. Let us not grumble, nor give of necessity, but remember that God loves a cheerful giver.
May we not spend freely on self, and offer God the leftovers. Let us, therefore, include our spiritual obligations when planning the monthly budget. Yes, various material commitments must be met, but let us not neglect our primary duty: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).
As God hath prospered him (KJV 1900); as he may prosper (NKJV); as he may prosper (NASB); in keeping with his income (NIV84); as he may prosper (ESV); to the extent that God has blessed you (NET).
Tithing, i.e., the giving of ten percent, was practiced in both the Patriarchal age (Gen. 14:17-20; 28:20-22) and the Mosaic dispensation (Lev. 27:30-32; Matt. 23:23). Additional offerings were also required under the Law (Deut. 12:5-6). New Testament Christians understand that the Law of Moses has been taken out of the way, nailed to the cross (Eph. 2:13-15; Col. 2:13-14).
Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all (Gen. 14:17-20).
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the LORD will be my God. This stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You” (Gen. 28:20-22).
Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S; it is holy to the LORD. ‘If, therefore, a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he shall add to it one-fifth of it. For every tenth part of herd or flock, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD (Lev. 27:30-32).
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others (Matt. 23:23).
But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come. There you shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the contribution of your hand, your votive offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock (Deut. 12:5-6).
But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace (Eph. 2:13-15).
When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (Col. 2:13-14).
However, this does not mean we have no responsibility in giving. While tithing is no longer required, giving is still a duty. Christian giving is to be proportionate: i.e., the amount we give should be in comparison to the amount we have received (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Believers are under an honor system whereby we give as we have been prospered. The New Testament praises those who give generously (Mark 12:41-44; Acts 4:32-37).
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:41-44).
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:32-37).
In the days of Malachi, the people of Israel robbed God (Mal. 3:8-12). Christians may fall into the same trap if our giving is not done “with liberality” (Rom. 12:6-8, esp. vs. 8; 2 Cor. 8:1-2, esp. vs. 2; 9:13-15, esp. vs. 13). The Greek word haplotēs, translated “liberality” in the aforementioned passages, signifies “singleness, hence simplicity” (Thomas 572), referring to “an act of generosity” and should be translated “generosity, liberality, to act in a generous manner” (Louw & Nida 57.106).
“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes, says the LORD of hosts. All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land,” says the LORD of hosts (Mal. 3:8-12).
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness (Rom. 12:6-8).
Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality (2 Cor. 8:1-2).
Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:13-15).
That there be no gatherings when I come (KJV 1900); that there be no collections when I come (NKJV); so that no collections be made when I come (NASB); so that when I come no collections will have to be made (NIV84); so that there will be no collecting when I come (ESV); so that a collection will not have to be made when I come (NET)
This passage deals specifically with Paul’s efforts to help the poor among the saints in Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:1-4; 9:1-2; Acts 24:17). Jewish disciples were in need and their Gentile brethren had an obligation to help. There was no time to waste. Paul would soon come, and the Corinthians needed to be ready.
but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things (Rom. 15:25-27).
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me (1 Cor. 16:1-4).
Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints (2 Cor. 8:1-4).
For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them (2 Cor. 9:1-2).
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings (Acts 24:17).
Brother Cogdill once said, “Sometimes it is argued that this plan for raising money is only for benevolence in the church. It remains, however, that divine wisdom led Paul to give this plan to Corinth for raising money and good reasoning will convince one that if it will work in raising money for one righteous cause, it will work for another and for all” (Roy Cogdill, The New Testament Church, p. 105-106.).
The work of the church is ongoing. Special needs arise from time to time. Regular giving is necessary so that the church might be ready to fulfill her God-given mission of evangelism, edification and benevolence. We should freely give so that there will be no deficit. No divinely assigned work should be left undone.
God is interested in our motives (2 Cor. 8:8), manner (2 Cor. 9:7) and measure of giving (Rom. 12:8). Every good and perfect gift comes from above (Jas. 1:17). Should we not return unto Him a portion of those blessings so that His work can be accomplished?
I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also (2 Cor. 8:8).
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7).
or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness (Rom. 12:8).
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow (Jas. 1:17).
We are His stewards, and must use His blessings accordingly (1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Pet. 4:10). A steward cares and manages the things of another. He will have to give an account to his master for how he fulfilled his duty. In the final analysis, everything belongs to God (1 Cor. 10:26). We will give an account for the way we use His blessings (Luke 12:18-20).
Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy (1 Cor. 4:1-2).
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Pet. 4:10).
FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS (1 Cor. 10:26).
Then he said, “This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. “And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” “ But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?” (Luke 12:18-20).
Honest self-examination requires an answer to the following questions: Are we seeking first the kingdom of God? Do we have a proper attitude toward material blessings? Are we laying up for yourself treasures in heaven (1 Tim. 6:7-11, 17-19)?
For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness (1 Tim. 6:7-11).
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed (1 Tim. 6:17-19).