1 Corinthians 16:3

KJV

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by [your] letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G3752} I come {G3854}, whomsoever {G3739}{G1437} ye shall approve {G1381} by {G1223} your letters {G1992}, them {G5128} will I send {G3992} to bring {G667} your {G5216} liberality {G5485} unto {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the people you have approved, and I will send them to carry your gift to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 16:3, Paul outlines the practical arrangements for transporting the collection gathered from the Corinthian church for the needy saints in Jerusalem. He instructs that upon his arrival, the Corinthians are to select and formally endorse messengers through written letters, whom Paul will then dispatch to deliver their generous financial contribution, ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in this significant act of inter-church solidarity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding practical instructions of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. Following his comprehensive theological and ethical teachings, Paul shifts to specific directives concerning the collection for Jerusalem, which he first introduces in [1 Corinthians 16:1-2](/1_corinthians/16-1-2 "1 Corinthians 16:1-2 - Paul's Instructions for the Collection"). Here, he moves from the "how" (systematic saving) to the "who" and "what" of the transport, demonstrating his meticulous planning for the practical outworking of Christian charity. This passage precedes his discussion of travel plans and final greetings, underscoring the importance of this collection as a tangible expression of unity and love within the broader body of Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection for Jerusalem was a significant undertaking for Paul, mentioned across several of his epistles (e.g., [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - The Purpose of the Collection"), [2 Corinthians 8-9](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - The Grace of Giving")). Jerusalem, the birthplace of the church, faced economic hardship, possibly due to famine or persecution, leading to poverty among its Christian community. In the ancient world, transporting large sums of money was fraught with risk, both from robbers and from accusations of embezzlement. Paul's insistence on the Corinthians' approval "by your letters" (a formal, written endorsement) was a crucial measure to ensure complete transparency and prevent any suspicion or slander against himself or the church regarding the handling of these funds, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in Paul's letters and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Accountable Stewardship**, emphasizing the necessity of integrity and transparency in managing communal resources, particularly financial gifts. Paul's method ensures that the church itself has oversight and approves the process. Secondly, it underscores **Communal Participation and Autonomy**, as the responsibility for selecting and endorsing the messengers rests squarely with the Corinthian congregation, fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility in the broader mission. Thirdly, it exemplifies **Practical Ministry and Inter-Church Solidarity**, demonstrating that Christian love extends beyond spiritual encouragement to tangible acts of material support, bridging geographical and cultural divides within the early church, as also seen in Paul's exhortations in [2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Macedonian Example of Giving").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **approve (Greek, _dokimázō'_):** From G1381, meaning "to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve." Paul's use of this word indicates that the Corinthians were not to randomly select individuals but were to carefully examine and discern the trustworthiness and suitability of the messengers. This implies a process of vetting to ensure the integrity of those entrusted with such a significant financial responsibility, reflecting a commitment to due diligence in ministry.
* **letters (Greek, _epistolḗ'_):** From G1992, meaning "a written message; 'epistle,' letter." The requirement of "letters" signifies a formal, verifiable, and official endorsement from the Corinthian church. These letters would serve as credentials for the messengers, confirming their identity and the legitimacy of their mission to deliver the collection. This written documentation was a critical safeguard against fraud and ensured accountability to both the sending and receiving parties.
* **liberality (Greek, _cháris'_):** From G5485, meaning "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy)." The KJV translation "liberality" captures one facet of *cháris*, but the underlying Greek word emphasizes that this collection was not a tax or obligation, but a "grace" or "gift" – a voluntary, joyful, and Spirit-inspired act of generosity. This highlights the theological nature of their giving, stemming from God's grace and reflecting His character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when I come":** This phrase sets the timing for the practical arrangements, indicating that the selection and sending of messengers would occur upon Paul's personal arrival in Corinth. This suggests Paul's desire for direct oversight and participation in the final stages of the collection's preparation, ensuring everything was handled properly and transparently.
* **"whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters":** This clause places the crucial responsibility of selecting and formally endorsing the messengers squarely on the Corinthian church. The "approval" (dokimázō) implies careful discernment and testing of character, while "by your letters" (epistolē) signifies a written, official, and public validation of their chosen representatives, ensuring accountability and preventing any suspicion of mishandling funds.
* **"them will I send to bring your liberality":** Paul states his intention to dispatch these church-approved individuals. The term "liberality" (cháris) emphasizes that the collection was a generous, voluntary gift, an act of grace from the Corinthians, rather than a compulsory levy. Paul's role is to facilitate the safe and proper delivery of this gracious offering.
* **"unto Jerusalem":** This specifies the destination of the collection, identifying the recipients as the impoverished saints in the mother church in Jerusalem. This act of material support underscored the unity and mutual care between the predominantly Gentile church in Corinth and the Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem, demonstrating the practical outworking of the gospel's power to create a unified body.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Pragmatism** in this verse, providing highly practical and logistical instructions for a significant church undertaking. His detailed plan for the collection's transport, including the specific role of the Corinthian church in approving messengers, demonstrates his concern for order and efficiency in ministry. There is also an element of **Emphasis** on transparency and accountability, as seen in the repeated stress on the Corinthians' approval and the use of "letters." This meticulous approach is a rhetorical strategy to preempt any potential accusations of financial impropriety, thereby protecting the integrity of the gospel ministry. The term "liberality" (cháris) also functions as a form of **Euphemism** or **Metonymy**, where a positive quality (grace/generosity) stands for the tangible gift itself, elevating the act of giving beyond mere financial transaction to a spiritual expression of love and divine influence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly mundane in its practical instructions, is deeply rooted in profound theological principles. It exemplifies the New Testament's emphasis on integrity in ministry, particularly concerning financial matters, reflecting a divine standard for handling God's resources and the generosity of His people. The collection itself symbolizes the unity of the body of Christ, demonstrating that believers, regardless of their geographical location or ethnic background, are interconnected and called to bear one another's burdens. This act of giving is presented not as a duty but as an expression of grace (cháris), flowing from the overflow of God's own generosity towards His people. Paul consistently links such practical acts of charity to the very nature of the gospel, where love is expressed tangibly, fostering fellowship and glorifying God.

* [2 Corinthians 8:1-9](/2_corinthians/8-1-9 "Paul's Teaching on Generous Giving")
* [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "The Gentile Churches' Obligation to Jerusalem")
* [Acts 11:27-30](/acts/11-27-30 "Relief for Judea during Famine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's meticulous instructions in 1 Corinthians 16:3 offer timeless principles for Christian communities today regarding financial stewardship and inter-church relations. The emphasis on the local church's role in approving messengers by "letters" underscores the paramount importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in handling communal funds. This model calls contemporary churches to establish clear, verifiable processes for managing finances, selecting trustworthy individuals for financial roles, and ensuring congregational oversight to prevent suspicion and maintain the credibility of the ministry. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that Christian charity is not merely a local endeavor but extends to the wider body of Christ, calling believers to support those in need beyond their immediate community, fostering global unity and demonstrating the tangible love of Christ across geographical and cultural divides. It challenges us to consider how our giving reflects not just our resources, but our heart of grace and our commitment to the well-being of the whole church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our church ensure transparency and accountability in handling financial contributions, and what steps can be taken to improve this?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, demonstrate practical solidarity with believers in other parts of the world who are experiencing hardship?**
* **How does Paul's emphasis on the Corinthians' "approval by letters" inform our understanding of trust and integrity in leadership within the church today?**
* **Considering the meaning of "liberality" (cháris), how can our giving be more consistently an act of grace and joy, rather than obligation?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul so concerned about the Corinthians approving the messengers by letters?**

Answer: Paul's concern stemmed from a deep commitment to integrity and transparency in ministry. In the ancient world, transporting large sums of money was risky, not only due to potential theft but also due to the ever-present danger of accusations of embezzlement or misuse of funds. By having the Corinthian church formally "approve" (dokimázō – to test and discern) the messengers through official "letters" (epistolḗ – written credentials), Paul ensured that the process was entirely above board. This protected his own reputation, the reputation of the Corinthian church, and the integrity of the gospel message itself, preventing any cause for slander or suspicion regarding the handling of the generous collection. This meticulous approach is also evident in [2 Corinthians 8:20-21](/2_corinthians/8-20-21 "2 Corinthians 8:20-21 - Paul's Concern for Transparency"), where Paul explicitly states his desire to "avoid any criticism of our handling of this generous gift."

**What does "liberality" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The KJV term "liberality" translates the Greek word *cháris* (G5485), which is more commonly translated as "grace." In this context, it signifies that the collection was not a compulsory tax or a grudging obligation, but a voluntary, joyful, and generous "gift" or "favor" given out of a spirit of grace. This is highly significant because it elevates the act of giving from a mere financial transaction to a spiritual expression of God's divine influence upon the hearts of believers, reflecting His own gracious character. Paul consistently frames Christian giving as an overflow of grace, as seen extensively in [2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - The Grace of Giving"), where he encourages the Corinthians to excel in "this grace of giving." It underscores that true Christian generosity flows from a heart transformed by God's grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The practical arrangements for the collection in 1 Corinthians 16:3, though seemingly mundane, find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The entire act of giving for the needy saints in Jerusalem, facilitated by approved messengers and formal letters, mirrors the self-giving nature of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "messenger" approved by the Father, sent to bring the greatest "liberality"—the **grace** of salvation—to a world in need. Just as the Corinthians were to give generously, Christ, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Self-Sacrifice")). The unity fostered by this collection between Gentile and Jewish believers foreshadows the new humanity created in Christ, where dividing walls are broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, the emphasis on transparency and integrity in handling funds reflects Christ's own spotless character and the purity of His mission, calling His followers to conduct all ministry with blamelessness, thereby glorifying the One who gave Himself fully for us ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")). Thus, every act of Christian generosity and integrity in ministry is a reflection of the saving grace and sacrificial love embodied in Jesus Christ, the ultimate gift of God to humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 8:18

And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches;

2 Corinthians 8:24

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

2 Corinthians 8:6

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

2 Corinthians 8:4

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

1 Corinthians 11:34

And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

Acts 6:1

¶ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Acts 6:6

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.