For some reason, the command to give is often ignored by members of the church. Too many feel that if they are faithful in other areas, giving is of little significance. Paul, however, did not feel that way.
1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV)
2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
This verse teaches us several things about giving. First, we learn when we are to give. Paul said, “On the first day of every week.” This gives us a pattern as far as when to give is concerned. If the Corinthians were going to participant in this giving, they were to do it on the first day of the week. This is when we must give today because that is the pattern (Hebrews 8:5).
Some say that because this was a special contribution, and, unlike the on-going contribution that we make today, we are not bound to follow the pattern. This is not sound reasoning. The purpose of our giving does not determine the when of our giving. The when is determined by revelation. While our exact purpose for giving might differ from theirs, the reason behind our giving is the same, that is, to meet needs. Our need may be different than theirs, but it is still a need. Since we know when the saints gave in New Testament times, and since their giving was under apostolic authority, we must follow the same pattern.
The second thing we learn about giving from 1 Corinthians 16:2 is that local churches had a treasury. Some deny this, but it is the plain implication of the text. The statement “put something aside” comes from the Greek word tithēmi and means “to deposit” (Vine). Some think that this simply refers to a saint putting money away at home; however, if that is the case, why did Paul specify a day of the week? A saint can lay aside money at home anytime he wants. Also, to just put some money away at home would seem to conflict with the statement, “that there will be no collecting when I come.” That statement implies that Paul did not want to worry about the collection when he got to Corinth, but wanted everything in order when he got there.
The third thing we learn from this verse is how much a person should give. We are to give as we have prospered. Some still try to bind the old law of tithing, not realizing that it is no longer binding. That law was never for Gentiles in the first place (Leviticus 27:30-34). Furthermore, the law has been taken out of the way (Ephesians 2:14-15; Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 8:13). We are now under the law of Christ, and that law does not give a specific amount to give, but that we give as we have prospered.
Who determines this? The answer is not some man or group of men. The answer is each Christian. We all must decide for ourselves how much we are going to give, and the answer is between us and God alone. Each individual is going to be judged on whether or not he has truly given as he has been prospered, and, make no mistake about it, God cannot be mock. We must be honest about what we are giving and, the attitude with which we are giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Allow me to give a word of caution to all saints who read this article. We are living in a strange time right now. Many churches have temporarily ceased to assemble on the first day of the week due to COVID-19, and others have greatly reduced the times that they meet. If you are one who is not assembling at this time, you should remember that the command to give has not been dismissed by God. If you have committed to God to give a certain amount, continue to separate that amount at home, and at the appropriate time, you can deposit it into the treasury of your local church. Some local churches are going to take a great financial blow during this strange time because brethren forget about the commitment they made to God. The cause of Christ, financed by the first day of the week collection of the saints, will suffer because of this. Make up your mind that you will not contribute to the problem.