"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."
This lesson demonstrates how Paul, as he traveled among the early churches, insisted that they gather and make weekly offerings of their goods to be sent back to Jerusalem.
Although its not made clear herein, I would assume those goods were to be given in support of the wives and families of the disciples who were too busy with the work of the Church to effectively provide for the needs of their families. Deacons were selected from among the Church to administer the goods that were collected as per Acts 6:1-4; "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. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."
In the latter part of this lesson, Paul advised that he would soon go to Corinth by way of Macedonia and said, in essence that he was always careful about his travel because there were many who wished him dead.~
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