William Burkitt Notes and Observations - 1 Corinthians 16:1 - 16:1

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - 1 Corinthians 16:1 - 16:1


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The first duty which the apostle here directs the Corinthians to, is the making a collection for the poor: and particularly for them at Jerusalem, who were now in great straits, by reason of a famine which was then and there amongst them, as some expositors affirm. He advises that on the Lord's day every one should lay something by, as God had prospered him, that there might be no need of farther collections when he came; and that the charity might be distributed according to their pious intentions, he tells them, they shall send it by messengers of their own; and that if they judged it meet and needful, he would accompany the bearers of their charity, and assist in the distribution of it.

Here note, 1. The great duty which the apostle directs unto: care of, and provision for, the poor saints at Jerusalem. To relieve the poor members of Christ, especially such as suffer for his name's sake, is a necessary, yea, important duty. We evidence our love and affection to the Head, by our pity and compassion to the members. The charitable contributions of such churches as are in and under better circumstances, towards those that are in worse, especially if in want, is an odour of sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing unto God, Php_4:18.

Note, 2. The time when he advises them to make this charitable collection for the poor: upon the first day of the week, which was the day of their public assemblies, the day upon which our Lord rose again from the dead. Divines, both ancient and modern, do from hence argue for the change of the sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week. It is evident that this was the day on which the Christian churches constantly assembled to perform religious worship, and read the scriptures, to preach the word, and celebrate the Lord's supper; and it was called by them, the Lord's day. Upon this day the apostle orders the collections to be made for the poor: and all Christians, in compliance with this precept, did offer their alms upon that day.

Note, 3. The apostle's bidding every one to lay by something of his store for the relief of others, intimates to us, that God has given unto every one of us a special, proper, and personal right to what we do enjoy. To have all things common, would run all things into confusion. The apostle directing the Corinthians here to a constant use of their charity every Lord's day, in making collections for the poor, doth suppose that they had something of their own to give.

Almighty God doth keep up the eighth commandment in full force and strength, as a fence and hedge about the worldly estates of men; and he that goes about to break this hedge, a serpent shall bite him. If there be no such thing as property, how shall we exercise charity?

Note, 4. The rule which St. Paul directs the Corinthians to observe and follow in the distribution of their charity, namely, to lay by for others in proportion as God had blessed and prospered them. The good which we do must be proportionable to what we receive. God will not accept of a little, when he has given us an ability to do much: we must always relieve the wants of others as we are able, and some times above what we are able. Such as have ability ought to abound in all kinds of charity; they are to add charity to charity, one way of charity to another, and one work of charity to another: otherwise, though they may do a good work, yet thy are not rich in good works.

Note, 5. How desirous the apostle was that the Corinthians should receive all possible satisfaction in the prudent distribution of their collected charity. He proposes to them to choose messengers of their own to carry their contribution; he proffers to give them letters of recommendation to the saints at Jerusalem; nay, if need require, and they desire it, he is ready to go himself upon this charitable errand. So ready are the ministers of God upon all occasions to contribute their utmost endeavours to promote the charitable relief of the poor members of Jesus Christ: If need be I will go also.