Doesn’t 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2, speak of Sunday church offerings?

In this passage, the apostle Paul was writing to churches in Asia Minor to help their famine-stricken brethren in Christ. The people of Judea were struggling to have enough food, and the apostle encouraged the new Christians to remember those back in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26).

After Agabus prophesied about this great famine, the disciples “determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:29, 30).

Since all references in the New Testament demonstrate that these Christians kept the seventh-day Sabbath, Paul made a practical suggestion on this special offering. He suggested that on Sunday morning (which was the time they paid bills and settled accounts), after the Sabbath was over, they put aside something for their needy brethren so it would be on hand when he came. Jewish people did not deal with money on the Sabbath.

The Greek words for “lay something aside” literally mean “by himself.” In today’s language, we would say “at home.” Sometimes this is translated “save it up” or “set money aside” or “put it in a special place.” There is no reference here to gathering for worship on Sunday or taking up offerings at a church service. This was a simple way for people to put aside some extra funds “as he may prosper” to help the suffering Christians in Judea.

No sacredness is connected to the first day for setting aside these funds. It was Paul’s way to help these poor Christians practically remember other members of the household of faith. People who systematically set aside funds usually give more than those who sporadically try to give much at once.

Key Bible Texts

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. (1 Corinthians 16:1 KJV)