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| 1 Now, concerning the collection which is for the saints, just as I directed the assemblies of Galatia, so, also do, ye:– |
Collection – Acts 20:35 was addressed to the Corinerusalem. R5926:2
The saints at Jerusalem were poorer than were the saints at Corinth, therefore it was appropriate that the Apostle should suggest sending a gift. R5926:2,5
Because of a severe famine; Jerusalem was not a commercial city, and therefore money was less plentiful there; apparently those in and about Jerusalem who received the Gospel were chiefly the poor. R5926:2
Paul proposed taking contributions from them--not as seeking a gift, but as seeking evidence of their love for the Lord in helpfulness to their brethren who were disadvantaged by their loyalty to the truth. R3159:2, 5926:2
We may be sure that while the Apostle urged the Churches to contribute to the relief of the poor saints at Jerusalem, he made no request for personal assistance. R5810:3, 3159:2
For the saints – The word saint is used to designate the truly consecrated among professing Christians. R1139:1
Order – Instructions. R5926:6, 1480:2*
So do ye – To whatever extent we have this thought before our minds we are likely to have a special blessing. "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." (Prov. 11:25) R5409:4, 5927:2, 1346:5
Use the money thus set aside to God's glory, in the best way your reason and conscience, directed by God's Word, dictate. R1378:5
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| 2 Upon the first of the week, let, each one of you, put, by itself, in store, as he may be prospering,–lest, as soon as I come, then, collections, should be in progress. |
First day of the week – Methodical, systematic charity is better than spasmodic giving. Not only is the result generally larger, but the influence upon the giver is more beneficial; a service to be rendered as unto the Lord. R5926:6, 1346:5, 450:1*
Paul exhorts the Church to lay up money every week for the Lord's family, the Church. R521:2
For the poor and for the Lord's cause generally. R854:6
As a memorial of the Lord's blessings during the week ended, and of our thankfulness. R1378:2
Nothing, perhaps, furnishes so sure an indication of love for the truth as zeal to serve it--financially and otherwise. The following of the Apostle's instruction has its spiritually beneficial influence. R1480:2*
The "Good Hopes" plan has proved so much of a blessing to those who have adopted it, that no doubt many will desire its continuance. It is not our plan but the Apostle's; something for use in the Lord's cause. R1600:4, 1409:6*, 1378:2, 1346:5, 365:6
We urge all to follow the apostolic rule and set apart for the Lord's service a weekly thank-offering. If it be but one cent a day, or one cent a week even, it will surely bring a blessing. R1600:4, 1378:2, 450:1*
The Lord does not estimate the amount we give according to a worldly standard, but according to the intent and desire. "God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Cor. 9:7) R450:1*, 5409:2, 1334:5, 450:1*
The disciples met regularly on the first day of the week, as the memorial of our Lord's resurrection and the outpouring of the holy Spirit. R1942:6, 543:4
Methods often used by Babylon to secure money, are fairs, suppers, etc., and appealing to the motive of pride, by publishing names and amounts. R1378:5
Every one of you – This is not a law, but the principle applies to all; we are put on our own responsibility as to how we use the things we have sacrificed to the Lord. R5409:2
It is far better to give spiritual gifts and blessings, but some are so circumstanced that their only chance for serving the Lord and manifesting their love is through their gifts to his cause and people. R5926:6, 854:6, 365:5
Each one who engages in the Lord's work at some sacrifice to himself is proportionately blessed. R1346:5, 1334:6
Promotion to a higher opportunity of work will be from faithfulness in using present abilities. Use well your office, and perhaps you will be promoted by our Head and become a dispenser of spiritual things. R365:6
Lay by him in store – That we may have to give to charities. R2241:2
Communism is not the Lord's arrangement. D478, D479, D480; R1862:5, 1390:5
God's people are to be frugal, to avoid debts, to be "forehanded," and with some reserve of capital. R4567:2
For our own future needs or that we may have to lend to others in need. R4567:2, 2932:5, 1862:4, 854:3; Q143:1
Economy and frugality, and provision for the necessities of our own household and generosity toward others needing assistance, spiritual and temporal, are the good counsels of the Lord. R2241:2, 5409:4, 4567:2, 2932:5, 1862:4
We may do good and lend according to our opportunities and abilities, but we are not to obligate ourselves beyond what we would be willing to give outright. R2241:2
If it is right to lay up for the Lord's family, it would be reasonable to lay aside for future necessities or emergencies of an earthly family, but let us beware of grasping miserliness which hoards. R521:2
Life insurance is equivalent to the laying aside in a savings bank a small sum, regularly, for the benefit of some dependent ones. R521:2
Very many folks can't give anything on the spur of the moment. They could not pay their rent on the spur of the moment either. A man is to arrange for it. R963:2*
Those who have never learned to give, have failed to rightly appreciate one of our choice privileges and pleasures. R365:6
Under Jewish Law, each natural Israelite was directed to give a tithe, a tenth, of his gross earnings. R5409:4, 963:2*
Hath prospered him – During the preceding week. R1334:6, 5600:2,5, 4284:2, 4102:2,5, 3669:2,5, 2410:5
A share of his income. R2932:5
Whether one cent or one dollar or a thousand dollars. R1378:2
The degree of our prosperity should be the measure of our charity; none should give to such an extent as to bring financial bankruptcy upon himself and cause losses to others. R5927:4, 2212:4, 854:3
Gatherings – Collections. R449:6*
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| 3 And, as soon as I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve by letters, these, will I send, to bear away your favour unto Jerusalem: |
Letters – It was the usual custom to give and carry letters of introduction. R1720:2
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| 4 And, if it be meet that, I also, be journeying, with me, shall they journey. |
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| 5 Now I will come unto you, as soon as I have passed through Macedonia,–for I do pass through Macedonia, |
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| 6 And, with you, I may perhaps sojourn, or winter, that, ye, may set me forward, whithersoever I may be journeying. |
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| 7 For I do not wish to see you, just now, by the way; for I hope to remain, some time, with you,–if, the Lord, permit. |
With you – Paul evidently paid Corinth a second visit. CR278:5
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| 8 But I remain in Ephesus, until the Pentecost, |
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| 9 For, a door, unto me, hath opened, great and effectual, and, opposers, are many. |
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| 10 But, if Timothy should come, see that, without fear, he be with you, for, in the work of the Lord, doth he labour, even as, I: |
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| 11 Let no one then despise him; and set ye him forward in peace, that he may come unto me, for I expect him with the brethren.
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| 12 But, concerning Apollos the brother, much, did I beseech him, that he would come unto you, with the brethren, but there was, by no means, any will, that he should come, now;–he will come, however, as soon as he hath good opportunity. |
Not at all to come – The calls or requests were not always obeyed: and no offense was taken by the Apostle if the brethren sometimes felt and acted differently from his suggestions. R1822:1
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| 13 Be on the watch, stand firm in the faith, be men–be strong; |
Watch ye – We still have need of this exhortation. OV285:1
The careless, indifferent, and lukewarm may lightly heed the words of warning; but the faithful saints earnestly aspiring to attain that whereunto they are called, realize the necessity and thankfully heed them. R609:1*
First, last, and all the time we need to watch that the Spirit of Christ in us is not displaced by the spirit of the world. R609:1*
That the fruit of the Spirit of God is manifest in all our actions; that no root of bitterness springing up may trouble us; and that we be not entangled with the cares of this life. R609:1*
We must watch unto prayer and thus keep open communication with the heavenly grace and secure the necessary help in every time of need; lest our Christian character be dwarfed, withered or utterly destroyed. R609:4*, 1972:5
Stand fast – Against the various oppositions of the world, the flesh, and the Adversary. R4912:6
Only those strongly supported by the truth will be able to stand in this evil day. R609:4*
To stand is to adhere to fixed principles; or in other words, to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor. 15:58) R90:1
In the faith – It is possible for every student of the Scriptures to have a clear, definite, positive faith, symmetrical and harmonious; and to be able to give every one that asketh, a reason for the hope that is in him. R609:4*
If our faith is not thus definite and clear, we are just in condition to be blown about by every wind of doctrine. R609:4*
Quit you like men – Be faithful and loyal to God and his cause. R5840:5
Acquit yourselves like men. R4912:6
Be strong – As men arm and prepare themselves for the battle. R609:4*
After reasonable instruction in the ways of righteousness, the Lord has a right to expect, strong characters. Be strong in faith and strong in character; so shall we be pleasing and acceptable to God. R1882:5, 1972:4, 1485:5
When God invites us to feast at his table, and then clearly indicates the manner in which he would have us use the strength thereby gained, we are not excusable in remaining either babes or children. R679:3*
Both strength and courage are necessary to faithful service and to success in the good fight of faith; and both are developed by patient endurance and faith in God under various trials to which the Christian is exposed. R2031:1, 4912:5, 1485:5
We should be constantly growing in knowledge, in grace, and in usefulness in the Master's service. R679:3*
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| 14 Let, all your affairs, in love, be carried on. |
Things – Deeds. (Diaglott) R5417:1
Done with charity – Done in love. (Diaglott) R5417:1
In proportion as we develop strength of character as new creatures, this quality of love increases. In addition, we should find our judgment also becoming more accurate. R5417:1
Be careful our words are kind and loving; even sharp utterances should be tempered with love. R5417:4
Let us as the Lord's children, ambassadors of the King of heaven, seek more and more to exercise the spirit of a sound mind, the spirit of love and reasonableness. R5417:6
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| 15 Now I beseech you, brethren,–ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is a firstfruit of Achaia, and, for the purpose of ministering, they devoted themselves, unto the saints– |
Themselves – Greek, heautou, as in "Shall not speak of himself." (John 16:13) E171
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| 16 That, ye also, be submitting yourselves unto such as these,–and unto everyone helping in the work and toiling. |
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| 17 I Rejoice, moreover, in the presence of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus: because, your own shortcoming, these, have filled up:– |
Glad of the coming – Greek, parousia, presence. B159
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| 18 They have given rest, in fact, unto my spirit, and yours: hold in acknowledgment, therefore, such as these. |
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| 19 The assemblies of Asia salute you: Aquila and Priscilla, with the assembly meeting at their house, salute you much in the Lord: |
Priscilla – In every instance, except this, where Priscilla and her husband are mentioned, Priscilla is mentioned first, as if she were the more prominent and active of the two. R1549:3
Salute you – Even with their limited means of communication, whenever there was opportunity, the churches in one place were prompt to send Christian greetings and benedictions to those in other places. R1895:4
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| 20 All the brethren salute you:–Salute ye one another with a holy kiss. |
Holy kiss – In spirit, but not in letter; the civilities of our times being somewhat different from the customs of that day. R1550:5; Q618:5
The sex dividing line was very strict in olden times so that there was no indiscriminate kissing among them, neither should there be among the friends now. Q618:5
There would be nothing wrong in a kiss of love; but there is no intimation that the brethren should kiss the sisters, or the sisters kiss the brethren. Q619:T, 618:4
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| 21 The salutation of Paul–with my own hand. |
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| 22 If anyone doth not dearly love the Lord, let him be anathema [that is, "accursed"]: Maran atha [that is, "The Lord, cometh"]. |
If any man love not – Greek, phileo, with duty love. R2807:3
Anathema Maran-atha – He shall be accursed or condemned to the second death when the Lord comes. R2807:3
An appreciation of the work of Christ will be expected of all when brought to a knowledge of the salvation which God has provided in him. Whoever refuses to respond in duty-love will be cut off from life early in the Millennial reign. R2807:3
The present life does not close the door of opportunity to any that have never known phileo love, or to many who have known this, but have not yet attained agape. R2807:3
Let him be cut off. The Lord cometh. R98:4*
"Let both grow together till the harvest." (Matt. 13:30) Then the angels of superior power and wisdom will do the work of separation. R98:4*
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| 23 The favour of the Lord Jesus, be with you. |
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| 24 My love, be with you all, in Christ Jesus. |
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