Topical Encyclopedia The Letters and Gift refer to the correspondence and collection for the saints in Jerusalem, as mentioned in the New Testament. This topic primarily involves the Apostle Paul's efforts to gather financial support for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, as well as the letters he wrote to various churches regarding this collection.Biblical Context The early Christian church in Jerusalem faced significant financial hardships, partly due to persecution and economic difficulties. In response, the Apostle Paul initiated a collection among the Gentile churches to provide relief for the Jerusalem believers. This effort is documented in several of Paul's epistles, where he encourages generosity and unity among the diverse body of Christ. Key Passages 1. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4: Paul provides instructions to the Corinthian church regarding the collection. He advises them to set aside a sum of money on the first day of each week, so that no collections would need to be made when he arrives. This passage highlights the organized and systematic approach Paul advocated for supporting the Jerusalem church. "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. Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem." (1 Corinthians 16:1-3) 2. 2 Corinthians 8-9: These chapters provide a detailed account of the collection, emphasizing the generosity of the Macedonian churches despite their own poverty. Paul uses their example to encourage the Corinthians to give willingly and cheerfully. He underscores the spiritual benefits of giving and the principle of sowing and reaping. "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) 3. Romans 15:25-27: Paul expresses his intention to deliver the contributions to Jerusalem personally. He views this act as a duty of the Gentile believers, who have shared in the spiritual blessings of the Jewish Christians and now have the opportunity to minister to them in material ways. "Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings." (Romans 15:25-27) Theological Significance The Letters and Gift underscore the unity and interdependence of the early Christian church. Paul's efforts to collect funds for the Jerusalem believers highlight the principle of mutual support within the body of Christ, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. This initiative also reflects the early church's commitment to social justice and care for the needy, rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Theologically, the collection serves as a tangible expression of the gospel's transformative power, fostering a spirit of generosity and love among believers. It illustrates the practical outworking of faith through acts of charity and the importance of stewardship in the Christian life. Practical Implications For contemporary Christians, the Letters and Gift provide a model for charitable giving and community support. They encourage believers to be intentional and proactive in addressing the needs of others, both within and outside the church. The principles of generosity, unity, and stewardship remain relevant, challenging Christians to reflect the love of Christ through their actions and resources. Subtopics Letters of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah Letters: Claudius Lysias to Felix Letters: King of Babylon to Hezekiah Letters: King of Syria to King of Israel Letters: Letters of Intercession by Paul and Philemon on Behalf of Onesimus Letters: Luke to Theophilus (The Books of Luke and Acts) Letters: Open Letter from Sanballat to Nehemiah Letters: Rabshakeh to Hezekiah Letters: Sennacherib to Hezekiah Letters: Written by David to Joab Related Terms |