The Greek word logía, represented by G3048, is a term for a contribution or collection. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, indicating its specific application within the early church for the gathering of financial support for fellow believers.
In the biblical narrative, G3048 is used by the Apostle Paul to provide instructions for a special financial contribution. He addresses the "collection G3048 for the saints G40" 1 Corinthians 16:1, establishing a structured effort that he had also given as an order to the churches in Galatia. Paul specifies that these "gatherings G3048" should be handled by having each person lay something aside on the first day of the week, preventing the need for a last-minute appeal when he arrived 1 Corinthians 16:2.
Several related words help clarify the nature of this contribution:
- G1299 diatássō (give, (set in) order, ordain): This term emphasizes the authoritative nature of the instruction. Paul states, "as I have given order G1299" 1 Corinthians 16:1, showing the collection was an organized and prescribed activity.
- G1577 ekklēsía (assembly, church): The directive for the collection was not for individuals in isolation but for the "churches G1577" as a whole 1 Corinthians 16:1, demonstrating a collective, congregational responsibility.
- G2343 thēsaurízō (lay up (treasure), (keep) in store): This verb describes the practical action required for the collection, where each believer was to set money aside and keep it "in store G2343" 1 Corinthians 16:2 in a systematic way.
The theological weight of G3048 is seen in the principles it establishes for Christian fellowship and stewardship.
- Organized Generosity: The concept demonstrates a principle of planned, systematic giving. Paul's command to "do G4160 ye" as he "had given order G1299" to other churches shows a structured approach to caring for believers 1 Corinthians 16:1.
- Proportional Giving: The instruction to lay aside funds as "God hath prospered him G2137" 1 Corinthians 16:2 establishes a principle of giving in proportion to the provision God has supplied, linking personal blessing to communal responsibility.
- Support for the Saints: The collection is explicitly designated "for the saints G40" 1 Corinthians 16:1. This underscores the theological importance of mutual care and financial support within the community of believers as a tangible expression of love.
In summary, G3048 is more than a simple word for a gathering of funds. It represents a planned, systematic contribution for the express purpose of supporting fellow believers. The use of this term illustrates how the early church put faith into action through organized and proportional generosity, establishing a pattern of mutual care that was an ordained practice for the churches.
TRV