The apostle was open to the possibility of going to Jerusalem as part of the group if this seemed best. After he wrote this letter he decided to go ( Romans 15:25-26) and indeed went ( Acts 20:16; Acts 20:22; Acts 21:17; Acts 24:17). [source][source][source]
These few verses along with2Corinthians8-9 and statements in Philippians 4provide guidelines for individual Christians and churches in giving. The principles Paul advocated were that saving up for giving should be regular and in response to the Lord"s provision materially. The believers should manage their gifts with integrity. Everything they did should not only be above reproach, but other people should perceive it as such. [source][source][source]
Notice that Paul made no mention of tithing here or elsewhere. Tithing is a method of giving that God prescribed for the Israelites under the Mosaic Law. People practiced tithing as an act of worship commonly in the ancient Near East (cf. Genesis 28:22). [1] It was also a common tax. [2] This is still true in some modern countries. For example, in England a part of every person"s taxes goes to maintain the Church of England. Some residents regard this part of their tax as their contribution to the church or their tithe. The Mosaic Law really required that the Israelites give back to God about one-third of their incomes. However, Christians are not under the Mosaic Law ( Romans 10:4; et al.). It is therefore understandable that neither Jesus Christ nor the apostles commanded tithing. Some Christians believe that since Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek ( Genesis 14:20) and Jacob tithed ( Genesis 28:22) tithing antedates the Mosaic Law and is therefore binding on Christians. Nevertheless a practice is not the same as a precept. Moreover the absence of any reference to tithing in the New Testament, plus the teaching of other guidelines strongly suggest that God wants us to follow a different method. The principles that should govern Christians in our giving appear throughout the New Testament but mainly in1Corinthians16 , 2 Corinthians 8 , 9 , and Philippians 4. [source][source][source]
"No pressure, no gimmicks, no emotion. A need had to be met, and the Corinthians were capable of playing a role in it. In a day of highly visible campaigns for money on every side, there is something to be said for the more consistent, purposeful approach outlined here." [3][source]
"Many Christians today are more interested in competing with neighbors" status symbols than in caring for the poor." [4][source]
Context Summary
1 Corinthians 16:1-12 - Systematic Beneficence
It is remarkable that the Apostle can turn from one of his sublimest flights of sacred eloquence to deal with so ordinary a matter as the collection. But, after all, there is no incongruity. The thoughts to which he has given expression should surely lead to some tangible response of Christian duty and activity, or they would injure rather than help. Nothing is more injurious to the Christian conscience than trumpet-sounding which leads to no response in action. If the foregoing chapter does not stimulate Christian generosity, nothing will.
Note the time-the first day of the week, indicating the reverence with which the early Christians regarded that day. The method-the definite appropriation for God's work of a certain proportion of income, as it accrues. The proportion-as the giver may be prospered. Paul disliked vehement collection appeals, and advised that we should give according to a system, and not merely by impulse.
Remember it is God who opens great and effectual doors before His servants. It is of no use to force them. Let us wait for the Lord Jesus, who has the key of David, to open them, for then none can shut. Our duty is to be prepared to enter when the moment comes and the door swings wide. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 16
1He exhorts them to a collection for the brothers at Jerusalem 10Commends Timothy; 13and after friendly admonitions, 16concludes his epistle with various salutations
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 16:4
And if it be meet for me to go also [εαν δε αχιον ηι του καμε πορευεσται] “If the collection be worthy of the going as to me also.” Condition of third class (εανηι eaṅ̇ēi) and the articular infinitive in the genitive (του tou) after αχιον axion The accusative of general reference (καμε kame me also) with the infinitive. So the awkward phrase clears up. [source]
Meet for me to go [ἄξιον τοῦ κἀμὲ πορεύεσθαι] Lit., if it be worthy of my going, i.e., if the gift be sufficiently large to warrant an apostolic journey to Jerusalem. This is better than if it be becoming. [source]
What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 16:4 mean?
Ifthensuitableit isforme alsoto gowithmethey will go
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: ἄξιος
Sense: weighing, having weight, having the weight of another thing of like value, worth as much.
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 16:4
“If the collection be worthy of the going as to me also.” Condition of third class (εανηι eaṅ̇ēi) and the articular infinitive in the genitive (του tou) after αχιον axion The accusative of general reference (καμε kame me also) with the infinitive. So the awkward phrase clears up. [source]
Lit., if it be worthy of my going, i.e., if the gift be sufficiently large to warrant an apostolic journey to Jerusalem. This is better than if it be becoming. [source]