1 Corinthians 16:2

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Upon the first day of the week, etc.] In an ancient copy of Beza’s, and in some others, it is added, “the Lord’s day”. Upon some one first day of the week, or more, if there was a necessity for it, until the collection was finished; though the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, “every first day”: but this is not the apostle’s intention, that a collection should be made every first day, but only on some one day, or as long as it was necessary: for at the close of the verse he gives this reason for it, “that there be no gatherings when I come”: whereas, if this collection was to have been every first day, and to have been always continued, it must have been when he was present, as well as…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“first day of . . . week--already kept sacred by Christians as the day of the Lord's resurrection, the beginning day both of the physical and of the new spiritual creations: it gradually superseded the Jewish sabbath on the seventh day (Psa 118:22-24; Joh 20:19, Joh 20:26; Act 20:7; Rev 1:10). So the beginning of the year was changed from autumn to spring when Israel was brought out of Egypt. Three annual feasts, all typical of Christian truths, were directed to be kept on the first day of the week: the feast of the wave offering of the first sheaf, answering to the Lord's resurrection; Pentecost, or the feast of weeks, typical of the fruits of the resurrection in the Christian Church (Lev…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Upon the first day of the week - Greek, “On one of the Sabbaths.” The Jews, however, used the word Sabbath to denote the week; the period of seven days; Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:9; Luke 18:12; Luke 24:1; John 20:1, John 20:19; compare Leviticus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:9. It is universally agreed that this here denotes the first day of the week, or the Lord’s Day. Let every one of you - Let the collection be universal. Let each one esteem it his duty and his privilege to give to this object. It was not to be confined to the rich only, but was the common duty of all. The poor, as well as the rich, were expected to contribute according to their ability. Lay by him in store - (παρ ̓ ἑαυτῷ τιθέτω…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let every one - Not the rich only: let him also that hath little, gladly give of that little. According as he hath been prospered - Increasing his alms as God increases his substance. According to this lowest rule of Christian prudence, if a man when he has or gains one pound give a tenth to God, when he has or gains an hundred he will give the tenth of this also. And yet I show unto you a more excellent way. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Stint yourself to no proportion at all. But lend to God all you can. 1 Corinthians 16:4”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“16:2 Christians met on the first day of each week (see Acts 20:7) rather than the last day of the week, as in the Old Testament (Exod 20:8; 34:21; Isa 58:13-14). The first day was the “Lord’s Day,” the day of the Lord’s resurrection (Mark 16:9; Luke 24:13-15; John 20:19; Rev 1:10). • The portion of the money you have earned is not specified; Paul later encouraged them to give as generously as they could (2 Cor 8:1-4; 9:6-13; cp. Luke 12:33-34; 21:1-4; 1 Tim 6:18-19).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the first: Luk 24:1; Joh 20:19, Joh 20:26; Act 20:7; Rev 1:10 as God: Gen 26:12, Gen 30:27, Gen 30:30, Gen 32:10, Gen 33:11; Deu 8:18, Deu 15:11-14; Ch2 31:10; Hag 2:16-19; Mal 3:9, Mal 3:10; Mar 12:41-44, Mar 14:8; Luk 16:10; Co2 8:1-3, Co2 8:12-15 that: Co2 8:11, Co2 9:3-5 1 Corinthians 16:3”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification