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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMcClintock Biblical Encyclopedia: Collection
Subjects in this Topic:
(1.) îִùַׂàֵú , maseth', something taken up, e.g. tribute (2Ch_24:6; 2Ch_24:9; elsewhere “gift,” “mess,” etc.);
(2.) for óõíÜãù , to contribute (Bar_1:6);
(3.) ëïãßá , a pecuniary collection (1Co_16:1; “gathering,” 1Co_16:2). SEE ASSESSMENT.
In the apostolic age the Christians of Palestine were more straitened than other churches, and this might be from their being assailed with every cort of oppression by the Jews. The activity of Paul in taking up collections on their behalf is evident from what is said in Act_24:17; Rom_15:25-26; 2 Corinthians 8, 9, and Gal_2:10. For this purpose the apostle, in 1Co_16:2, says, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him.” The reason why this day was appointed for this purpose seems to be that, by the early Christians, the first day of the week was observed as the Sabbath of the Lord; and consequently, as on that day they commemorated that which formed the great bond of union between them and other Christians, it was the most suitable occasion for their displaying their love in the way prescribed, and also the time when they would be most liberal (1Co_16:1-3). SEE ALMS.