Bible Dictionary
Collection
A collection was an organized contribution gathered by Paul among Gentile churches for poor believers in Jerusalem. It expressed practical fellowship and support among Christians (1 Corinthians 16:1–3; Romans 15:25–26).
Definition
A collection is an organized gathering of money or goods for a stated purpose. In the New Testament, the term especially refers to Paul’s planned contribution from Gentile churches for poor Christians in Jerusalem.
Biblical Usage
Paul urged systematic contributions, arranged for delegates to carry them to Jerusalem, and regarded the ministry as important fellowship between Gentile believers and the needy church there. In the Old Testament the term can refer to a prescribed tax.
Historical Background
The Jerusalem church was especially needy, and the collection was gathered across Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, and Achaia. Paul planned it in advance and intended to accompany those carrying it despite dangers.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Christians in Palestine, from various causes, suffered from poverty. Paul awakened an interest in them among the Gentile churches, and made pecuniary collections in their behalf (Acts 24:17; Rom. 15:25, 26; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 2:10).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ko-lek'-shun:</p><p>(1) In the Old Testament (mas'eth, "something taken up"), used in 2Ch 24:6,9 the King James Version with reference to the tax prescribed in Ex, 30:12,16; the Revised Version (British and American) "tax."</p><p>(2) In the New Testament "collection" is the translation given to logia, found only twice (classical, sulloge). It is used with reference to the collection which Paul took up in the Gentilechurches for the poor Christians in Jerusalem, as, for some reason, perhaps more severe persecutions, that church was especially needy (1Co 16:1,2; verse 2 the King James Version "gatherings"). Other words, such as bounty, contribution, blessing, alms, ministration, are used to indicate this same ministry. Paul seems to have ascribed to it great importance. Therefore, he planned it carefully long in advance; urged systematic, weekly savings for it; had delegates carefully chosen to take it to Jerusalem; and, in spite of dangers, determined himself to accompany them. Evidently he thought it the crowning act of his work in the provinces of Galatia, Asia, Macedonia and Achaia, for as soon as it was finished he purposed to go to Rome and the West (Ac 24:17; Ro 15:25,26; 2Co 8; 9).</p><p>See also COMMUNION. G. H. Trever</p>