Weekly Pulpit Romans 15:25-27 But now I go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.… After the breaking up of the Christian community at Jerusalem on the martyrdom of Stephen, those who remained were much persecuted, and became poor. The apostle was much concerned about them, and exhorted the Churches at Corinth, Galatia, Thessalonica, and Philippi to make a collection in their behalf, which might be sent by the hand of trustworthy persons, he also promising to accompany them. It was when on that mission he was apprehended. The collection — I. WAS A DUTY (ver. 27). The gospel came through a Jewish channel, and from Jerusalem. We cannot say of what service the Christian poor have been to the cause of truth and to ourselves. God has heard their prayers, blessed their labours in former days, and we are their debtors. Let not our alms be made in the spirit of mere pity, but under a sense of obligation. "He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord." II. WAS TO BE SYSTEMATICALLY MADE (1 Corinthians 16.). It was some time after the contribution was sent to Jerusalem, but the Churches stored weekly. Sunday was the day of thanksgiving for the resurrection of Christ, and it was meet that each Christian should honour the day by consecrating his gift to the Lord. This is the only scriptural method of giving. The portion is thoughtfully laid aside for the service of God, and brings a blessing on the giver. III. WAS TO BE LIBERALLY AND CHEERFULLY MADE. "God loveth a cheerful giver." No gift is acceptable in the sight of God except it comes from the heart. To give from custom or from shame is not an act of worship. Our compassion for those in want excites the heart to give largely and lovingly. IV. WAS TO BE MADE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD (2 Corinthians 9.). The thanksgiving of the poor saints at Jerusalem was twofold — for relief in their poverty, but principally because the gospel was bearing fruit in other lands. V. WAS TO BEAR THE STAMP OF JESUS. He, though rich, became poor for our sakes. As He, so we must endeavour to enrich others. (Weekly Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.WEB: But now, I say, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. |
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