1 Corinthians 16:2 – Abundant

On one of the Sabbaths let each of you lay aside by himself in store that in which he should be prospered that no collections may be occurring then whenever I may come.

In most translations it does not come out well, but by the expression “one of the Sabbaths”, Paul refers to the period of Sabbath counting between Passover and Pentecost. This count begins on the Sunday when the priest’s first sheaf of the barley harvest was moved. This is also the heyday when Jesus Christ as the firstfruits conquered death (15:23).

From that particular Sunday, one then counts seven Sabbaths until Pentecost, which is the fiftieth day. So the instructions given by Paul for the collection are between Pesach and Pentecost. Paul was due to come to Corinth soon, but intended to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost (: 8).

While chapter 15 speaks of the firstfruits from the dead (= Pesach), chapter 16 is the logical continuation. It is also based on it. When we are firm on the basis of chapter 15, we become abundant in the work of the Lord (15:58). Chapter 16 is about that abundance. Let others share in the wealth that you have received!

Delen: