John Calvin’s famous motto, Cor meum tibi offero, Domine, prompte et sincere (“My heart I offer to you, Lord, promptly and sincerely”), expresses his personal devotion to God. This phrase encapsulates Calvin’s understanding of Christian life as one of wholehearted consecration to God.
Calvin did not see Christian devotion as a mere duty but as a joyful response to divine grace. He emphasizes this throughout his writings, particularly in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, where he describes the Christian life as one of total self-surrender:
“We are not our own: let not our reason nor our will, therefore, sway our plans and deeds. We are not our own: let us not seek what is expedient for the flesh. We are not our own: insofar as we can, let us forget ourselves and all that is ours. On the other hand, we are God’s: let us live and die to him. We are God’s: let his wisdom and will therefore rule all our actions. We are God’s: let all the parts of our life accordingly strive toward him as our only lawful goal.” (Institutes, 3.7.1)
The sincerity (sincere) and promptness (prompte) of this offering reflect a heart freed from self-interest and eager to serve God without hesitation.
This idea of joyful self-offering also appears in Calvin’s commentary on Romans 12:1, where he explains what it means to present oneself as a living sacrifice:
“By the word ‘beseech,’ he shows that he would not force us to do our duty, but would rather bring us to it by gentleness. And he calls the mercy of God to witness, in order that he might, if possible, draw us with a pleasant sweetness rather than drive us by force… For he knew how willingly we ought to devote ourselves wholly to God, since he has poured out his immeasurable blessings upon us.” (Commentary on Romans 12:1)
Thus, Calvin’s motto reflects the essence of his theology: a life lived for the glory of God, in response to his grace, with a heart offered freely, sincerely, and promptly in service to Christ.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 concerning the collection for the saints in Jerusalem are not mere financial instructions but theological principles woven into the fabric of Christian discipleship. Giving is not simply an act of charity but an expression of worship, faith, and love. As we examine this passage, we must see how Paul roots giving in the gospel, framing it as a response to divine grace rather than human obligation.
Exegesis of 1 Corinthians 16:1–2
Context of the Collection (v. 1)
Paul writes, “Περὶ δὲ τῆς λογείας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους” (“Now concerning the collection for the saints”). The term λογεία (“collection”) appears only here in the New Testament and likely refers to a structured, organized offering rather than an informal gift. Paul is addressing a specific financial aid effort for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, who suffered under famine (Acts 11:28), persecution (Rom 15:26), and economic hardship.
This collection was more than mere charity; it was an expression of the unity of the church. Paul saw it as a demonstration of the bond between Jewish and Gentile Christians, fulfilling what he calls the “fellowship of service” (διακονία) in 2 Corinthians 8:4. Just as Christ gave himself for the church, so believers are called to give for the needs of their brothers and sisters (2 Cor 8:9). This is not philanthropy; it is theological—an embodiment of the gospel. Philanthropy is based on human need: 1) human needs as the result of poverty and 2) the human need to be benevolent for one’s own benefit. This giving is theological. It is in response to God’s grace and for God’s glory. Only Christians can give in this worshipful way.
The Pattern of Giving (v. 2a) – “On the First Day of the Week”
Paul commands, “Κατὰ μίαν σαββάτου ἕκαστος ὑμῶν παρ’ ἑαυτῷ τιθέτω” (“On the first day of the week, each of you should put something aside”).
The phrase κατὰ μίαν σαββάτου is a Semitic idiom meaning “on the first day of the week.” This reflects the early church’s shift from Sabbath worship to Sunday gatherings, in light of Christ’s resurrection (Matt 28:1; Acts 20:7; Rev 1:10). The placement of this collection on Sunday suggests that giving is an integral part of Christian worship and displays the special nature of the Lord’s Day.
This calls believers to approach giving not as a sporadic impulse but as a disciplined, regular act of devotion. Just as Israel was commanded to bring the firstfruits to the Lord (Prov 3:9; Deut 26:2), Christians are to set aside their gifts as a response to God’s provision.
Application:
Does your giving reflect God’s graciousness in a structured, worshipful commitment, or is it merely an afterthought?
The Scope of Giving (v. 2b) – “Each of You”
Paul’s instruction is comprehensive: “ἕκαστος ὑμῶν” (“each of you”). He does not address only the wealthy but includes all believers, regardless of economic status.
This echoes Jesus’ praise of the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41–44), where he commends not the amount but the faith behind the giving. Christian giving is not measured by quantity but by obedience and willingness. The Macedonians, though in “extreme poverty,” gave with abundant joy (2 Cor 8:2).
Application:
The question is not how much you give, but whether you give at all.
The Principle of Proportional Giving (v. 2c) – “As He May Prosper”
Paul further specifies, “τιθέτω θησαυρίζων ὅ τι ἐὰν εὐοδῶται” (“put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper”). The verb εὐοδῶται (“prosper”) suggests that giving should correspond to one’s financial situation. This principle of proportionality reflects the Old Testament law:
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.” (Deut 16:17)
This refutes two extremes:
- The miserly approach, where wealth is hoarded rather than stewarded.
- The legalistic approach, where giving is a rigid percentage rather than a joyful response to God’s blessings.
Application:
Does your giving reflect gratitude and proportional stewardship of God’s blessings?
The Practical Wisdom of Preparation (v. 2d) – “Store It Up”
Paul instructs that this giving be “θησαυρίζων” (“stored up”), implying thoughtful, intentional saving. This prevents last-minute, reactionary collections when Paul arrives.
This principle counters impulsive giving driven by emotions rather than disciplined faithfulness. Just as Joseph stored up grain in Egypt (Gen 41:48) and the ant prepares its food in summer (Prov 6:6–8), believers are to give with foresight and intentionality.
Application:
Do you plan and budget your giving, or is it occasional and unstructured?
Theological Foundations of Giving
These verses are not mere financial instructions; they rest on profound theological truths:
- Giving Reflects the Character of God
“For God so loved the world, that he gave…” (John 3:16).
Christian generosity mirrors divine generosity.
- Giving Is a Response to the Gospel
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor.” (2 Cor 8:9).
As Christ gave himself for us, we give in response.
- Giving Is a Mark of True Faith
“If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17).
A stingy heart reveals a shallow faith.
Practical Applications
- Give Regularly
Make giving a habitual act of worship, not a spontaneous gesture.
Set aside a portion on the “first day of the week.”
- Give Personally
Do not assume others will give in your place. “Each of you” includes you.
- Give Proportionally
Has God prospered you? Then increase your generosity.
Are you struggling? Give what you can, but with joy.
- Give Thoughtfully
Store it up. Plan your generosity.
Consider how your giving supports God’s kingdom.
- Give Joyfully
“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:7).
Do not give out of compulsion, but as a delight in worship.
Conclusion: The Open Hand of Grace
A clenched fist can neither give nor receive. The open hand of generosity not only blesses others but welcomes the blessings of God. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 are an invitation to participate in the grace of giving—a grace that flows from the gospel itself.
Christ gave himself for us. Shall we not give to him? Let our giving be an act of worship, a discipline of faith, and a testimony of love. In so doing, we will not only meet the needs of the saints but store up treasures in heaven.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
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