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1 Corinthians 16 · a question people ask

"Now concerning the collection for the saints" (16:1). What was it for?

In the text

The chapter calls it "the collection for the saints" (16:1) and "your gracious gift" (16:3). It says the gift is to be carried "to Jerusalem" by "whoever you approve", "with letters" (16:3), and "If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me." (16:4). It says no more about the saints it is for, or why it is gathered, and these notes don't fill that in. They apply none of it to any giving today.

The verses

“Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.”
1 Corinthians 16:1 · World English Bible
“When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.”
1 Corinthians 16:3-4 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16: With my own hand

Near its end the letter says, "Let all that you do be done in love." (16:14), and its last words are "My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen." (16:24). In the Greek, love is the same noun in both.

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions