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1 Corinthians 16:3

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of Paul's practical instructions to the Corinthian church regarding the collection he was organizing for the poor saints in Jerusalem. Following his directives for systematic giving in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Paul outlines the method by which these funds would be transported. He emphasizes a system that ensures both transparency and integrity in handling the generous contributions of the believers.

Key Themes

  • Accountable Stewardship: Paul's insistence that the Corinthians themselves approve messengers by "letters" highlights the critical importance of accountability and transparency in managing communal funds. This method prevents suspicion and ensures that the financial gifts are handled with utmost integrity.
  • Communal Participation: The responsibility of selecting and endorsing the messengers rests with the Corinthian church. This demonstrates Paul's respect for the local church's autonomy and their active participation in the larger mission of supporting fellow believers. It fosters a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.
  • Practical Ministry: Beyond spiritual exhortation, Paul demonstrates meticulous planning for the logistical aspects of ministry. His concern for the practical needs of the Jerusalem saints underscores the tangible expression of Christian love and solidarity across geographical distances.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "liberality" in this verse translates from the Greek word dosis (δοσις), which literally means "a giving" or "a gift." This emphasizes that the collection was not a tax or an obligation, but a voluntary and generous offering, reflecting the believers' willingness to share their resources as an act of grace and benevolence towards their brothers and sisters in need. Paul further elaborates on the nature of this "grace" of giving in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, where the collection is a central theme.

Related Scriptures

  • Paul's extensive teaching on the principles of generous giving and the collection for Jerusalem can be found in 2 Corinthians 8-9, providing deeper insight into the theological underpinnings of this act of charity.
  • The emphasis on approved messengers also relates to Paul's concern for avoiding any cause for blame or suspicion in the handling of such a large contribution.

Practical Application

This verse provides timeless principles for churches today regarding financial stewardship and accountability. It underscores the importance of transparency in handling church funds, the necessity of selecting trustworthy individuals for financial roles, and the value of congregational oversight in such matters. It also serves as a reminder that Christian charity extends beyond local congregations, calling believers to support the wider body of Christ, especially those in need, as a tangible demonstration of unity and love.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 8:18 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 8:24 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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