“Paul speaks of [the Jerusalem] collection in terms that are full of theological content: “fellowship” (2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:13; Romans 15:26), “service” (2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:1, 12, 13; Romans 15:31), “grace” (2 Corinthians 8:4, 6, 7, 19), “blessing” (2 Corinthians 9:5), “divine service” (2 Corinthians 9:12; cf. Romans 15:27).
All of this together suggests that the “collection” was not some mere matter of money, but was for Paul an active response to the grace of God that not only ministered to the needs of the Lord’s people but also became a kind of ministry to God as well, which resulted in thanksgiving toward God and in a bond of fellowship between “the Lord’s people” across the Empire.”
Gordon D. Fee in The First Epistle to the Corinthians (NICNT; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987) 898.
Since the Apostle Paul talked about giving with “terms that are full of theological content” I believe we should too, as giving is “not some mere matter of money!” The spiritual growth of stewards is at stake. Giving is “an active response to the grace of God.”
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