1 Corinthians 16:3-4 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
Paul provides two more principles for faithful giving in these verses. Continuing from the previous verses,
Sixth, reliable and trustworthy people were chosen to handle the money. These men were approved and sent by the church. They were known to the church. Paul prepared reference letters for these men. Accountability was important to Paul. He also wanted the Corinthians to be confident that their sacrifice was not a scam or would not be used for what it was intended. This is an important principle for any type of church giving. The use of funds must be known to the church (made public) and those who take care of the money must be trustworthy. There are too many stories of church treasurers or even pastors who have taken church funds for personal gain.
Seventh, Paul as leader was involved in the process. He would go to Jerusalem if needed. It is not clear if this offering was his idea alone, but he was the key leader who was behind the organization of the giving, at least as indicated in the New Testament. He would make sure that the offering went to where it was intended. His own reputation was at stake in all this as well. The directions in these verses should inspire the Corinthians to give sacrificially and with assurance that their sacrifice would be used where it was needed.
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