Galatia: Collection Taken In, for Christians at Jerusalem
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The region of Galatia, located in what is now modern-day Turkey, holds significant importance in the New Testament narrative, particularly concerning the collection taken for the Christians in Jerusalem. This collection is a testament to the early Christian community's commitment to mutual support and unity across diverse geographical and cultural boundaries.

Biblical Context

The Apostle Paul, a central figure in the spread of Christianity among the Gentiles, played a pivotal role in organizing a collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This initiative is mentioned in several of his epistles, reflecting the early church's dedication to caring for its members, regardless of their location.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul emphasizes the importance of supporting fellow believers. Although the specific mention of the collection in Galatia is not detailed in the letter to the Galatians, the broader context of Paul's ministry and his other writings provide insight into this endeavor. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 , Paul instructs the church in Corinth regarding the collection, indicating that he had given similar instructions to the churches in Galatia: "Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia. On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed."

Purpose and Significance

The collection for the Jerusalem church was not merely an act of charity but a profound expression of the unity and solidarity within the body of Christ. The believers in Jerusalem were facing severe hardships, likely due to a combination of economic difficulties and persecution. By organizing a collection from the Gentile churches, Paul sought to bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile Christians, fostering a sense of oneness in Christ.

This act of giving also served as a tangible demonstration of the transformative power of the Gospel, which transcended ethnic and cultural divisions. The Gentile believers' willingness to support their Jewish brethren was a powerful testimony to the new identity and community formed in Christ.

Theological Implications

The collection for the Jerusalem church underscores several key theological themes in the New Testament. First, it highlights the principle of stewardship and the responsibility of believers to use their resources for the benefit of others. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized caring for the needy and loving one's neighbor.

Second, the collection reflects the early church's understanding of koinonia, or fellowship. This fellowship was not merely a spiritual or emotional connection but involved practical expressions of love and support. The act of giving was a manifestation of the believers' shared life in Christ and their commitment to one another.

Finally, the collection serves as a reminder of the eschatological hope that unites all believers. By participating in this act of generosity, the Gentile churches were affirming their place in the unfolding plan of God, which includes the restoration and blessing of all nations through the seed of Abraham.

Historical Impact

The collection for the Jerusalem church had a lasting impact on the early Christian movement. It strengthened the bonds between Jewish and Gentile believers, paving the way for a more inclusive and unified church. This initiative also set a precedent for future acts of charity and support within the Christian community, establishing a model for how believers can live out their faith in practical ways.

In summary, the collection taken in Galatia for the Christians at Jerusalem is a significant event in the history of the early church. It exemplifies the principles of unity, stewardship, and fellowship that are central to the Christian faith, and it serves as an enduring example of the transformative power of the Gospel in action.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Corinthians 16:1
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Epistles of Paul.
... much certainty from the epistle itself, taken in connection ... very fully the matter
of the collection for the ... Galatia is the Greek word answering to the Roman ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm

The Earlier New Testament Writings.
... Galatia was a province rather than a city; there may ... exchanges, such as I have suggested,
had taken place; and ... letters, but there was yet no collection of them ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter viii the earlier new.htm

Paul's Missionary Labors.
... on a benevolent mission, bearing a collection of the ... the provinces of Phrygia and
Galatia, where, notwithstanding his ... the temple, because he had taken into it ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 33 pauls missionary labors.htm

The Epistle to the Galatians
... 3) The Epistle refers to the collection for the ... readers have knowledge of the stand
taken by Barnabas ... by Paul on his first missionary journey in South Galatia. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to the galatians.htm

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ...
... The reason taken from the example of God's resting from ... was ordained in the churches
of Galatia, as well ... (6.) That he will have the collection, though necessary ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the true manner.htm

Hints to Teachers and Questions for Pupils
... time part of the Province of Galatia, the boundaries ... Make a collection of Paul's
quotations from the Old Testament, showing whence each of them was taken. ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/hints to teachers and questions.htm

The Poetical Books.
... volume from which the quotation was taken bears in ... is, of course, erroneous; the
present collection of Psalms ... rugged paths of Syria and Galatia and Macedonia ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

The End
... He had to deliver up to the apostles a collection on behalf ... to Rome at once after
such an appeal was taken. ... in imagination among the glens of Galatia and along ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter x the end.htm

The Revelation of St. John the Divine
... the first in humble guise, which has taken place, the ... Matthew."Godet (F.), The
Collection of the Four Gospels ... Galatia, North or South (?), 151 Galatians, Ep. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxv the revelation of.htm

Sources and Literature of the Apostolic Age.
... Lardner (d.1768): Collection of Ancient Jewish and Heathen ... The first volume is mostly
taken up with ... and northwest of Palestine (Syria, Galatia, Pontus, Scythia ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 20 sources and literature.htm

Resources
How should I decide how much to tithe? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to emasculate? | GotQuestions.org

What happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org

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Galatia

Galatia: Churches In

Galatia: Collection Taken In, for Christians at Jerusalem

Galatia: Its Churches Visited by Paul

Galatia: Paul's Epistle to Galatians

Galatia: Peter's Address To

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Throughout (291 Occurrences)

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Galatia: Churches In
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