1st Corinthians 16:1-3 Explained
1st Corinthians 16:1-3 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. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage…
The Drought…….
Between 41-54 A.D. there was a drought, that happened that was predicted by the prophet Agabus. Acts 11:27-30 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage…
Drought Relief…….
The drought effected a large portion of the area in and around Jerusalem. As then so it is today there’s always a need for food during and after a drought which also can create great famine in the area. This is due to the fact that it takes the land much time to recover and become productive again. In this type of situation it would become necessary that a collection would be made by the leaders of the Church, and the community to create relief for those involved and or effected by this event.
It is believed that the apostle Paul wrote 1st Corinthians in the late spring of 55 A.D., and he and Barnabas began a collection that was meant for the drought relief. Paul mentions this collection in his letter to the congregation of God at Rome (about 58 A.D.), saying to them in Romans 15:24-28 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage…
The Work Of the Kingdom…….
The Collections that are being spoken of here are not Old Testament Tithes nor are they Love offerings for the building up of the Church (Other than feeding those in need). The collections were also were not used to support Paul or the other Church Leaders in the process of doing their individual ministries. Their own individual occupations as tent makers, carpenters, fishermen and the like, provided most if not all of the funding that was needed to promote the Kingdom of God. Of course there were additional love offerings in many forms that were given to them along their path, however it was their vocation that mainly supported their ministry and service for the Kingdom of God. Acts 17 1-3, Acts 18:1-5 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage…
Summary…….
The collection of money in question was used for disaster relief for the Christians and or Saints living in that area at the time, and those that were effected by the prior years drought and famine associated with that event. This Scripture is often taking out of context to what was originally taught by the Apostles and should not be interpreted in any other way.
Any such interpretation is a Doctrine of man and as such should be repented of.
Hebrews 6:1-6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage…
Reference: The Holy Bible (KJV)
As led by the Holy Spirit
http://www.bibleresearch.org/…/did_apostles_collect_tithes.…
Reality of Yahweh 