The Collection for the Saints

by Hugh DeLong

Because of political, economic, and worldly circumstances in Judea, the church there was struggling to survive physically. They banded together in Jerusalem and shared among themselves to care for those saints in need. This has continued for some time, and now things have become even more difficult. HOW will God provide for them? Through their fellowship of other saints.

I find it instructive that while we usually refer to it as ‘the collection’, Paul used many different words in speaking of this. “Elsewhere Paul speaks of this collection in terms that are full of theological content: “fellowship,” “service,” “grace,” “blessing,” and “divine service.” (Gordon Fee, Commentary on I Corinthians). Let me quote from his commentary on this section and add my own comments:

Fellowship

“2 Cor. 8:4; 9:13; Rom. 15:26. This usage probably indicates Paul’s basic hope for this ministry in terms of Jew-Gentile relationships. Cf. Panikulam, Koinōnia, pp. 49–57.”

Fellowship is a joint participation, a sharing together. While they were separated not only by distance, they were culturally ‘miles apart’. Here, the Corinthian church, made up mostly of Gentiles, would be sending to their Jewish brethren. There is one body. Though of many backgrounds, they are one in Christ.

Service

“Gk. διακονία (2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1, 12, 13; Rom. 15:31; cf. v. 25). See the discussion of this word in 12:5. The implication is that loving service in behalf of others is an essential feature of Christian κοινωνία.”

Jesus taught that the greatest among us is he who serves! Paul exhorted us to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).

Grace

‘Gk. χάρις; this is the most common term (see on v. 3); cf. 2 Cor. 8:4, 6, 7, 19. The most vivid commentary on its usage in this regard is 2 Cor. 8:9; they are to respond to the benefits of God both exemplified and made available to them in Christ in this tangible way.”

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" (II Corinthians 8:9). God's blessings are meant for us to share and use to help others. Keeping worldly blessings for yourself misunderstands God’s purposes and gifts.

Blessing

“Gk. εὐλογία; see 2 Cor. 9:5, where there is something of a play on the word. Their “bounty” becomes a “blessing” to others, who in turn offer the “blessing” of thanksgiving to God.”

“So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness" (II Corinthians 9:5).

Divine Service

“Gk. λειτουργία; 2 Cor. 9:12 (cf. Rom. 15:27). The monetary gift is seen as an act of service to God. Since this is often a technical term for “divine service” (cf. our derivative, “liturgy”), many think there is a link between this word and an actual collection taken during the service of worship. But this is extremely doubtful, especially in light of the very private nature of the setting aside of the money in v. 2."

We serve God by serving others. As Jesus said about helping or not helping our brethren: you did it unto me! (cp. Matthew 25:41-45).

How Do You View the Collection?

It is not just "putting money in the basket"; it involves the whole of our relationship with God, brethren, and the world with its ‘things’. Paul stated: “Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you” (II Corinthians 8:24). Out of our pockets, the heart speaks!