04/29/2020 - Bible Study

What a blessing it was to study in detail the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians and to learn everything that the good Lord would have us to know about the resurrection. Once we internalize the truth of this great doctrine, known in the Greek as Anastasis, we find it so much easier to adopt the apostle Paul's attitude towards death and dying. "Death is swallowed up in victory, O death, where is your victory, O grave where is your sting?" - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55. How encouraging it is to know that there is coming a day, when no heartache shall come. No more clouds in the sky, and no more tears to dim the eye. There will be peace forever more, on that happy golden shore. O what a day, a glorious day, that will be.

Today we embark upon the equally exciting study of the final chapter of 1 Corinthians. Chapter 16 can be divided into 4 sections:

Section 1 : The Collection for the saints

Section 2: Pauls' personal plans

Section 3: Paul's final exhortations

Section 4: Greetings and Farewell

Now, please carefully read verse 1-4 before looking at my comments that follow.

The city of Jerusalem is overpopulated and famine stricken. As he travels through the Roman empire, visiting churches in Galatia, Macedonia and Achaia, the apostle Paul is soliciting funds to assist the Christians in Jerusalem. Notice in verse 2, Paul mentions the collection is to be drawn on the "first day of the week." This is a clear indication that the early church met on that day as we hope to resume doing soon, in accordance with the plan and will of God. Paul does not specify the amount of collection that should be given by each person. No percentage, or quantity based on any criteria except 'as he may prosper.' Unlike during the Old Testament times where three tithes were collected annually from each income earner, the New Testament does not issue a tithing requirement. Approximately 23% of one's income was the Old testament requirement used for funding the national government of Israel, providing for welfare and festival expenses. This system of tithing evolved into the taxation system seen in most Governments today. But, in the New Testament period, donations to the church were freewill offerings and completely

discretionary.

Now read verse 5 through 8.

Please remember that Paul is writing this letter from Ephesus, where he would spend three years, teaching and preaching in that Roman city with Timothy. In our study of the book of Acts last year, we looked at the difficulties the apostle encountered in Ephesus. The Ephesians even tried to take his life on one occasion when they shouted " Great is the goddess Artemis" in the amphitheater at Ephesus. Make sure to read about this incident in Acts 19. Also take a look at Acts 19: 23-32. So while there was a great door of evangelism opened to Paul in Ephesus, it is not surprising that he admitted in verse 9, that "there are many adversaries."

Next week, if the Lord allows, we will resume our study from verse 10.

May the Lord bless you all.

Pastor Chandroo