1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. 3 When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; 4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
Jewish halachah, associated with Shammai, and active at the time of Paul dictated that money was not to be collected on the Shabbat. Even contributions for the poor were to be collected on a different day. As we saw last week the concept of conducting commerce on the Shabbat was also strictly forbidden.
Awareness of needs would most likely be connected however, to the Shabbat, so that the very next day would be a most appropriate time to begin setting aside a contribution or gift for those in need. In this case, the gathering of support for the Jews in Jerusalem no doubt held a special place in Paul's heart. He had been aggressive in the early persecution of the believers in Jerusalem, and many had been imprisoned, and other wise come to be in great need.
Jewish halachah, associated with Shammai, and active at the time of Paul dictated that money was not to be collected on the Shabbat. Even contributions for the poor were to be collected on a different day. As we saw last week the concept of conducting commerce on the Shabbat was also strictly forbidden.
Awareness of needs would most likely be connected however, to the Shabbat, so that the very next day would be a most appropriate time to begin setting aside a contribution or gift for those in need. In this case, the gathering of support for the Jews in Jerusalem no doubt held a special place in Paul's heart. He had been aggressive in the early persecution of the believers in Jerusalem, and many had been imprisoned, and other wise come to be in great need.
