The Bible is a book about giving – with more promises related to giving than to any other subject! For example, the subject of “believing” appears 272 times, “prayer” 371 times, and “love” 714 times, while “giving” is mentioned 2,162 times! Jesus talked more about giving than anything else; more than half of the parables have to do with money and worldly goods.
Using our possessions well, in a way that glorifies God, helping us grow in faith and making a difference to the oppressed and powerless, was also important to the early church. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, the Apostle Paul writes: “On the first day of every week, each one of you is to set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up so that when I come no collections will have to be made”. Paul is instructing the Corinthian church to regularly and privately set aside contributions for a relief effort, so that they are prepared and no large collection is needed upon his arrival.
(When Paul was writing, the church in Jerusalem was being particularly hard hit. The believers there were suffering. Paul was asking all his contacts outside of Jerusalem to please make a point of having some money ready the next time he came through so that he could take it to Jerusalem for them.)
Paul advises the Corinthians to give to this collection weekly, individually, and proportionally. Specifically, each person—or household—is to set aside some amount of money on the first day of every week. It’s not clear if this money is meant to be brought to the weekly gathering of the church and held in a central location. Or, it might be simply set aside, person by person, to be delivered together when Paul arrives.
Paul wanted everyone to contribute to this collection, rich and poor alike. His letter had already revealed a potential rift between the wealthy and the working poor in the church (1 Corinthians 11:20–22). Paul insisted that this gift for their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem should come from all of them together.
That universal command to give, however, is qualified by the phrase “as he may prosper.” Paul encouraged proportional giving, meaning that each person should give a percentage of their income instead of a set amount. Notably, Paul does not instruct them to give ten percent, also called a tithe. In fact, the New Testament never commands Christians to tithe in the way the Old Testament required (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26).
Instead, Paul urged them to give as each has prospered. This means out of any surplus income above their needs. Historians tell us that many in Corinth among the poorer classes were likely just barely surviving from week-to-week themselves.
Finally, Paul tells the Corinthians to set aside the money week by week so that no collecting will need to be done when he arrives to organize the delivery of the gift. He does not explain why, but Paul likely wanted the Corinthians to develop the habit of setting aside for the needs of others as a regular practice.
The early church’s example is very much worth following today. Each of us, either as a household or as individuals, should set something aside on a regular basis, at least every paycheck if not more often. Also, our giving should be proportional. Those blessed with larger incomes should give more than those with smaller incomes. Sharing with others is not just for the wealthy among us, nor is it an obligation only for the poor.
Finally, let’s remember that our giving is not to ‘support the church.’ Our giving is to empower our church to do ministry. Taking our youth to PYOCA and Montreat, as well as providing them with Bibles and Bible teachers. Giving our young families a place to congregate where they can draw nurture and support from each other. Providing a comfortable place for our seniors to study Scripture and hear it speaking to them in the later stages of their lives. Hiring staff to administer our property and provide the comfort of the universal church when we need it. Supporting the poor and powerless in our community and beyond. And finally, to glorify God and so grow in grace ourselves.
The Bible is a book about giving. May we all do what it says.
God’s peace to all,
Pastor Ken.
