1Cor 16:1-4 | RWP | e4.org | Now concerning the collection for the saints ( περ δε της λογιας της εις τους αγιους ). Paul has discussed all the problems raised by the Corinthians. Now he has on his own heart the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (see chapters ; ). This word λογια (or -εια ) is now known to be derived from a late verb λογευω , to collect, recently found in papyri and inscriptions (Deissmann, Bible Studies , p. 143). The word λογια is chiefly found in papyri, ostraca, and inscriptions that tell of religious collections for a god or a temple (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East , p. 105). The introduction of this topic may seem sudden, but the Corinthians were behind with their part of it. They may even have asked further about it. Paul feels no conflict between discussion of the resurrection and the collection. So also do ye ( ουτως κα υμας ποιησατε ). Paul had given orders ( διεταξα ) to the churches of Galatia and now gives them like commands. As a matter of fact, they had promised a long time before this ( ; ). Now do what you pledged.

‏ 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Now concerning the collection for the saints ( περ δε της λογιας της εις τους αγιους ). Paul has discussed all the problems raised by the Corinthians. Now he has on his own heart the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (see chapters 2Co 8; 9). This word λογια (or -εια ) is now known to be derived from a late verb λογευω, to collect, recently found in papyri and inscriptions (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 143). The word λογια is chiefly found in papyri, ostraca, and inscriptions that tell of religious collections for a god or a temple (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 105). The introduction of this topic may seem sudden, but the Corinthians were behind with their part of it. They may even have asked further about it. Paul feels no conflict between discussion of the resurrection and the collection.

So also do ye ( ουτως κα υμας ποιησατε ). Paul had given orders ( διεταξα ) to the churches of Galatia and now gives them like commands. As a matter of fact, they had promised a long time before this (2Co 8:10; 9:1-5). Now do what you pledged.

Upon the first day of the week ( κατα μιαν σαββατου ). For the singular σαββατου (sabbath) for week see Lu 18:12; Mr 16:9. For the use of the cardinal μιαν in sense of ordinal πρωτην after Hebrew fashion in LXX (Robertson, Grammar, p. 672) as in Mr 16:2; Lu 24:1; Ac 20:7. Distributive use of κατα also.

Lay by him in store ( παρ' εαυτω τιθετω θησαυριζων ). By himself, in his home. Treasuring it (cf. Mt 6:19f. for θησαυριζω ). Have the habit of doing it, τιθετω (present imperative).

As he may prosper ( οτ εαν ευοδωτα ). Old verb from ευ, well, and οδος, way or journey, to have a good journey, to prosper in general, common in LXX. In N.T. only here and Ro 1:10; 3Jo 1:2. It is uncertain what form ευοδωτα is, present passive subjunctive, perfect passive indicative, or even perfect passive subjunctive (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 54). The old MSS. had no accents. Some MSS. even have ευοδωθη (first aorist passive subjunctive). But the sense is not altered. Hοτ is accusative of general reference and εαν can occur either with the subjunctive or indicative. This rule for giving occurs also in 2Co 8:12. Paul wishes the collections to be made before he comes.

When I arrive ( οταν παραγενωμα ). Whenever I arrive, indefinite temporal conjunction οταν and second aorist middle subjunctive.

Whomsoever ye shall approve by letters ( ους εαν δοκιμασητε δι' επιστολων ). Indefinite relative with εαν and aorist subjunctive of δοκιμαζω (to test and so approve as in Php 1:10). "By letters" to make it formal and regular and Paul would approve their choice of messengers to go with him to Jerusalem (2Co 8:20ff.). Curiously enough no names from Corinth occur in the list in Ac 20:4.

To carry ( απενεγκειν ). Second aorist active infinitive of αποφερω, to bear away.

Bounty ( χαριν ). Gift, grace, as in 2Co 8:4-7. As a matter of fact, the messengers of the churches ( αποστολο εκκλησιων 2Co 8:23) went along with Paul to Jerusalem (Ac 20:4f.).

And if it be meet for me to go also ( εαν δε αξιον η του καμε πορευεσθα ). "If the collection be worthy of the going as to me also." Condition of third class ( εαν--η ) and the articular infinitive in the genitive ( του ) after αξιον. The accusative of general reference ( καμε, me also) with the infinitive. So the awkward phrase clears up.