NOW CONCERNING THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS …WE WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT GRACEThe Macedonians gave as a result of graceThe Macedonians’ gift is a faith checkThe Macedonians’ gift is an favor to the MacedoniansThe Macedonians gave themselves first to the LordLOVE THAT IS GENUINEGenerosity Incarnate is the Crux of Paul’s ArgumentThis Benefits YouNow concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 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.
The controversy in Corinth prevented the continuing of the collection.
… when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. Excelling in spiritual gifts grounds and necessitates excelling in giving. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight Love is the overflow of joy in God which gladly meets the needs of others.