Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1057
Contribution–At Home?
by Larry Ray Hafley
"An argument has been made that the matter of 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2, Is NOT a weekly collection, but that one is to lay by in store AT HOME."
First, if they laid the money aside at home, there would be "gatherings" when Paul came, the very thing which he was seeking to avoid-"that there be no gatherings when I come" (1 Cor. 16:2). So, the money was not set aside at home (except, of course, that one determines to give a certain amount while "at home" and contributes it when he assembles "upon the first day of the week").
Second, why should it be on the first day of the week if it was laid aside at home? There would be no point or purpose to so legislate. However, since the disciples came together "upon the first day of the week...to break bread," it follows that they would lay the money aside, in store, in a common treasury, upon that day (Acts 20:7). For additional study, see the commentary on 1 Corinthians by Mike Willis.
Third, some of those who see a laying by in store "at home" in 1 Corinthians 16:2 are the very ones who will not see the "at home" restriction of 1 Corinthians 11:22, 34-"What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God, and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you....If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you may not come together for judgment. And the remaining matters I shall arrange when I come."
It is rather strange that they can see an "at home" which does not appear in 1 Corinthians 16:2, but that they are blind to the "at home" restriction of 1 Corinthians 11. They build kitchens, cafeterias and dining rooms. These social, recreational rooms ("fellowship halls"), built by the church, also are used for bridal and baby showers and as a place for large families to hold their own private holiday dinners. They are without scriptural authority.
The Scripture is clear. As purposed and prospered, let us lay by in store when we assemble with the saints upon the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7).
